ALGORITHMIC MANAGEMENT IN THE FOOD DELIVERY GIG ECONOMY: MECHANISMS OF CONTROL AND WORKER AUTONOMY

• Published in: ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts Vol. 5; no. 1
• Main Authors: Sigroha, Anju, Kapoor, Priya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.06.2024
• ISSN: 2582-7472; 2582-7472
• DOI: 10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.2878

The gig economy is a rapidly evolving segment of the global economy, attracting a major segment of the working population towards a new arrangement of work, including the food-delivery sector. When gig work is executed through a digitalized platform and work is controlled through app-based algorithms, it forms the basis of the platform economy. Automation and changing workforce demographics have paved way for workers to fulfil their desire for autonomy and flexibility. Such autonomy is however strictly monitored by algorithms which control workers activity through a rigorous mechanism of instructions, ratings and reviews that impacts the workers' autonomy, job satisfaction, and labour rights. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between algorithmic management and the illusion of independent work in the context of food delivery services. It explores the mechanisms through which algorithmic systems influence worker behaviour, impact worker autonomy, and give rise to the perceived illusion of independent work. The study highlights how these workers often perceive their roles as being autonomous and independent due to the flexibility and freedom associated with platform work and how this perception is shaped and manipulated by the algorithms that govern their work activities.