Nemkova, Ekaterina, Demirel, Pelin and Baines, Linda (2019) In search of meaningful work on digital freelancing platforms: the case of design professionals. New Technology, Work and Employment. (doi:10.1111/ntwe.12148).
Abstract
Growth of the platform economy has been accompanied by critiques of the fragmented, isolated and precarious nature of the employment it offers. Yet, little is known about how creative freelancers perceive the meaning of work on the platforms. Based on 40 interviews with freelancers, clients, platform owners and industry experts, this paper reveals that most freelancers are concerned about how operating through the platform, and their dependence on it, is undermining the meaningfulness of their work. Freelancers find that the platforms are eroding both the manifest (i.e. monetary) and latent (i.e. non-monetary) meaning of their work although they are mostly concerned about the latent element of meaning. The analysis reveals that the small group of freelancers who pursue meaningful work and earn a sustainable income on platforms are those with strong entrepreneurial orientation.
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- Current Faculties > Faculty of Social Sciences > Southampton Business School > Strategy, Innovation and Enterprise
Southampton Business School > Strategy, Innovation and Enterprise - Faculties (pre 2018 reorg) > Faculty of Business, Law and Art (pre 2018 reorg) > Southampton Business School (pre 2018 reorg)
Current Faculties > Faculty of Social Sciences > Southampton Business School > Southampton Business School (pre 2018 reorg)
Southampton Business School > Southampton Business School (pre 2018 reorg)
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