A1 Journal article (refereed)
Algorithmic management of crowdworkers : Implications for workers’ identity, belonging, and meaningfulness of work (2024)

van Zoonen, W., Sivunen, A. E., & Treem, J. W. (2024). Algorithmic management of crowdworkers : Implications for workers’ identity, belonging, and meaningfulness of work. Computers in Human Behavior, 52, Article 108089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.108089

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: van Zoonen, Ward; Sivunen, Anu E.; Treem, Jeffrey W.

Journal or series: Computers in Human Behavior

ISSN: 0747-5632

eISSN: 1873-7692

Publication year: 2024

Volume: 52

Article number: 108089

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.108089

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93316

Abstract

Online labor platforms function as meta-organizations, blending elements of an open market and hierarchical structure by algorithmically governing goals and objectives. This study investigates how this algorithmic management approach influences the perceived meaningfulness of work among crowdworkers, with a particular focus on its effects through identity and belonging. Drawing on survey data collected from 1291 crowdworkers, our findings highlight that algorithmic control and algorithmic matching are differently associated with the meaningfulness of work. Algorithmic control, characterized by directive oversight, exhibits a negative association with perceived meaningfulness. In contrast, algorithmic matching, which pairs workers with online tasks, fosters a positive perception of meaningfulness. We demonstrate that these associations are (partially) mediated by identity and belonging mechanisms. Specifically, we demonstrate that crowdworkers tend to selforganize support and social confirmation using online communities, which provides a sense of meaningfulness. This research advances our understanding of the experiences of crowdworkers within online labor platforms, shedding light on the multifaceted implications of algorithmic management. It emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive and communicative environments in work settings characterized by algorithmic governance mechanisms.

Keywords: algorithms; leadership (activity); working life; work comfort; meaningfulness

Free keywords: algorithmic management; crowdwork; identity challenge; meaningful work

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

JUFO rating: 3