Gig economy: the beginning of a new era in human resources management?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51302/rtss.2021.2486Keywords:
gig economy, gig workers, digital platforms, strong form, weak formAbstract
Since the global financial crisis of 2008, a new way of organizing economic activity has been consolidated worldwide: the gig economy. In general, there are three main axes on which it is articulated: flexibility, on demand jobs, and technology. It is causing a true revolution in the field of labor relations by suppressing a key element in the management of HR: the labor relationship between employer-worker within the limits of the company; a situation that is posing significant legal challenges in most countries around the world. In this study, we review the context in which it originates, its main distinctive features, while we also provide some statistical data that gives an image of its current magnitude around the world. Likewise, we also examine the potential advantages and disadvantages that it represents for workers. And, what is more important, an original proposal of classification of the gig economy is presented. In this sense, based on the available evidence, two extreme forms are distinguished that are considered dominant: strong and weak forms. We show which are its distinctive characteristics that, on the other hand, must be considered to have a more informed image about its possible implications on HR management.
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