SIVA SIVANI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

PHASE 1: RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A STUDY ON JOB SECURITY

AMONG THE GIG ECONOMY

Submitted by
Roll No. Name
32-009 Anisha Kumari
32-012 Ashitha Bhawana Sharma
32-046 Prachi Sharma
32-049 Raghu Vamsi
32-056 Shivam V

Mentor: Kiranmayi Ma’am

Date: 19-04-2024
Contents
1. Introduction

2. Overview of Job Security and Gig Economy

3. Background and Literature Review

4. Research Problem

5. Objectives of the Study

6. Hypotheses

7. Research Methodology

 Research Design

 Sampling Method

 Data Collection

 Analysis of Data

8. Citations and References

 Introduction:

The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, has emerged as
a significant aspect of contemporary labour markets. However, concerns regarding job
security within this sector have garnered increasing attention. This research aims to
investigate the dynamics of job security among gig workers, exploring factors influencing
their perceived and actual security levels.

 Independent Workers: Gig workers are independent contractors, freelancers, or

temporary workers who take on specific projects or jobs instead of working
regular hours for a single employer.
 Flexibility and Autonomy: The gig economy offers flexibility and freedom to
workers, allowing them to choose their projects and work schedules.
 Income Fluctuation: However, this flexibility often comes at the cost of job
security and stable income. Gig workers typically earn per project or gig, leading
to income fluctuations.
 Platform Facilitation: Many gig jobs are facilitated by online platforms that
connect workers with clients or tasks. Examples include ride-sharing services,
food delivery apps, and freelance marketplaces.

Job security refers to the assurance or guarantee that an individual will maintain their current
job position within an organization or industry for a certain duration, often with the
expectation of continued employment in the future. It encompasses both the perceived and
actual stability of employment, including protection from involuntary job loss due to factors
such as layoffs, downsizing, or economic downturns.

 Reduced Risk: Job security essentially translates to a sense of stability and reduced
risk of losing your income source due to factors like company restructuring, economic
downturns, or performance issues.
 Factors Affecting Security: Several factors can influence job security, including
industry type, company size, presence of unions, and the specific skills required for
the role. Jobs in sectors with steady demand, like healthcare or government, often
offer greater security.
 Evolving Landscape: The concept of job security is evolving, particularly with the
rise of the gig economy. Traditional notions of long-term employment with a single
company are becoming less prevalent.

Job security is highly valued by employees as it provides a sense of stability, financial

security, and peace of mind. It contributes to employee morale, motivation, and productivity,
as individuals feel more invested in their work and committed to the organization when they
perceive their jobs as secure. Moreover, job security can have broader societal implications,
such as reducing unemployment rates, poverty, and social inequality.

Background:

The gig economy is characterized by temporary or freelance work arrangements, where

individuals are hired on a short-term basis to complete specific tasks or projects. Common
examples include ride-sharing drivers, food delivery couriers, freelance writers, and graphic
designers. Unlike traditional employment, gig workers typically do not have long-term
contracts or employee benefits and may work for multiple platforms or clients
simultaneously.

The classification of gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees has
significant implications for their job security. Independent contractors have limited legal
protections and rights compared to employees, including the right to unionize, minimum
wage guarantees, and protection from unfair dismissal. The legal status of gig workers has
been a subject of debate and litigation in many jurisdictions worldwide.

Understanding job security within the gig economy requires a nuanced analysis of the
intersecting factors influencing workers' experiences, including economic, legal, social, and
technological dimensions. Research in this area is essential for informing policy interventions
and organizational practices aimed at promoting fair and sustainable employment within the
rapidly changing landscape of work.

Literature Review:

Article 1: JOB SATISFACTION, JOB SECURITY, AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT

IN THE GIG ECONOMY (EPRA Journals)
This article explores the concept of job security in the gig economy. It defines job security as
the guarantee of employment for a prolonged period and a worker's confidence in their job
stability. The authors highlight the contrast between traditional employment and the gig
economy. While traditional jobs offer more security, gig work provides flexibility. The article
references studies by Obrenovic et al. (2021) and Maryatmi (2020) to support the notion that
job security in the gig economy is low, impacting worker dedication and overall satisfaction.
Key takeaways:
 Job security is a major concern in the gig economy compared to traditional
employment.
 Gig workers may experience lower job satisfaction due to insecurity.

Article 2: Online Labor Platforms and the Role of Job Security and Compensation
(Mis)Fits for Gig Workers (ResearchGate)
This article focuses on the role of online labor platforms in shaping job security and
compensation for gig workers. It emphasizes the algorithmic control platforms exert over
workers, affecting their ability to secure consistent work. The authors reference a study by
Chatman (1989) to discuss the concept of "person-organization fit" and how its absence in the
gig economy contributes to job insecurity. Additionally, the article highlights potential
conflicts between algorithmic control and worker autonomy.
Key takeaways:
 Algorithmic control on gig platforms can limit job security for workers.
 Lack of a traditional employer-employee relationship creates a mismatch in terms of
security and compensation.
These two articles provide a starting point for your research on job security in the gig
economy. They highlight the core challenges faced by gig workers, such as lack of
guaranteed work, algorithmic control, and limited benefits. Further research can delve deeper
into specific aspects like:
 Strategies for building job security in the gig economy (e.g., skill development,
portfolio building).
 The impact of regulations and policies on job security for gig workers.
 The role of platform design and worker-platform relationships in enhancing security.

Article: the gig economy and contingent work

The landscape of work is rapidly changing, with a growing number of individuals

participating in the gig economy. This sector, characterized by contingent work arrangements,
offers flexibility and independence but may also pose unique challenges to worker health.
This paper aims to assess the occupational health implications of the gig economy by
examining the existing literature.

Key takeaways:
"The Gig Economy and Contingent Work: An Occupational Health Assessment":

 Health Risks of Gig Work: Gig workers, despite the perceived flexibility, might face
unique health risks. This could be due to factors like lack of benefits (health
insurance), unpredictable work schedules, and potential safety hazards depending on
the gig type.

 Precariousness and Wellbeing: The precarious nature of gig work, where income
and job security are uncertain, could negatively impact the mental and emotional
wellbeing of workers.

 Misconceptions about Flexibility: The review might challenge the idea that gig
work always offers flexibility. Unstable schedules and constant hustling could lead to
work-life imbalance.

 Demographics of Gig Workers: The study might explore the demographics of who
participates in the gig economy. It could address if certain populations are more likely
to take on gig work due to limited options in the traditional workforce.
  Potential Benefits: While highlighting the risks, the review might also acknowledge
potential benefits of gig work, such as autonomy and control over work hours (for
some types of gigs).

Article: the gig economy and its impact on social security

the gig economy and highlighting its growing presence in the modern workforce. It might
also briefly touch upon the core functions of social security systems.

The literature review will then delve deeper into the specific ways the gig economy disrupts
traditional social security structures. Here are some key areas the review might explore:

Challenges for Social Security Systems:

 Coverage Gap: Gig workers often fall outside traditional employment structures,
leading to a lack of mandatory social security contributions. This reduces their
eligibility for benefits like retirement income or unemployment insurance.

 Sustainability Concerns: The decline in traditional payroll tax contributions from

gig workers could strain social security systems designed for a full-time workforce
model.

 Unequal Impact: The review might explore how the lack of social security benefits
disproportionately affects gig workers, particularly those relying on it for retirement
or during economic downturns.

Potential Solutions and Policy Debates:

 Portable Benefits Systems: Literature might discuss proposals for portable benefit
systems allowing gig workers to contribute to social security regardless of
employment structure.

 Platform Responsibility: The review might explore discussions on platforms taking

on some responsibility for social security contributions on behalf of gig workers.

 Universal Basic Income (UBI): The concept of UBI as a potential solution to address
the social safety net gap for gig workers might be explored.

Additional Considerations:

 Informal vs. Platform-based Gigs: The review might differentiate between informal
gig work and platform-based models, with the latter potentially offering easier
avenues for social security integration.
  Global Perspective: The literature might explore how different countries are
addressing the gig economy's impact on social security, highlighting successful
models or ongoing policy debates.

 Impact on Workers' Choices: The review might analyze how social security
arrangements could influence the choices gig workers make regarding work type and
income security.

Article- FACTORs AFFECTING FOOD DELIVERY Riders’

INTENTION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIG ECONOMY
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 Thinking about participating in the gig economy boils down to how you feel about it
and the social pressures you might sense from friends and family. It's like if you're
excited or hesitant about doing it, and whether your loved ones encourage or
discourage you. Also, your actual intention or readiness to jump into gig work matters
—it's like the step before actually doing it. This is influenced by your attitude, what
others expect of you, and how much control you feel you have over your actions.
Research shows that people are more likely to do something if they really want to.
 Push Factors and Intention to Participate in the Gig Economy
 Now, there are reasons why people might get into gig work. These reasons, called
'push factors,' are like the not-so-great things in life that might push someone to try
gig work. It could be things like needing money urgently, not having many other
options, or wanting some extra cash. In this study, we're looking at these push factors
as the reasons why folks get into the gig economy. They're the independent variables
we're studying, and they include things like financial needs, limited choices, and the
desire for extra income

Article What Does the Gig Economy Mean for Workers?

 The article "What Does the Gig Economy Mean for Workers?" delves into the
multifaceted implications of the gig economy on workers' experiences. It provides a
comprehensive examination of the gig economy phenomenon and its impact on
various aspects of work, particularly job security. The literature review within the
article synthesizes existing research on the gig economy, highlighting both its
potential benefits and challenges for workers.

 The review begins by discussing the flexibility and autonomy that gig work offers,
acknowledging its appeal to many individuals seeking alternative forms of
employment. However, it also delves into the precarious nature of gig work,
emphasizing the lack of traditional job security measures such as stable income,
benefits, and legal protections. Drawing on empirical evidence, the review explores
 how gig work can contribute to heightened feelings of insecurity and vulnerability
among workers.
 Furthermore, the review examines the broader socio-economic implications of the gig
economy, including its potential to exacerbate income inequality and perpetuate labor
market inequalities. It considers the regulatory challenges posed by the gig economy
and the need for policy interventions to safeguard workers' rights and well-being.
 Overall, the literature review offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities
surrounding the gig economy and its implications for workers, laying the groundwork
for further research and policy development in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Article : The health of workers in the global gig economy

 Abstract
 The “gig” economy connects consumers with contractors (or workers) through online
platform businesses to perform tasks (or “gigs”). This innovation in technology
provides businesses and consumers access to low-cost, on-demand labor, but gig
workers’ experiences are more complex. They have access to very flexible, potentially
autonomous work, but also deal with challenges caused by the nature of the work, its
precariousness, and their relationships with the platform businesses. Workers in the
Global North and South may also experience these challenges very differently. Based
on our report “Towards an Understanding of Canadian Workers in the Global Gig
Economy”, we present a commentary on the implications of a globalized online
platform labor market on the health of gig workers in Canada and globally.
 The effects of gig work on workers
 Certain vulnerable groups appear to be overrepresented in the gig economy, for
instance young people (millennials), who experience greater unemployment rates in
many countries, and people with lower incomes, who may already be working
multiple jobs. Gig work is precarious, meaning it is often low paid, temporary,
provides no training, health, or retirement benefits, and shifts more of the risk of
doing business from the employer to the worker. Even though precarious work and
working conditions generate and reproduce health inequities within and between
countries the platform labor economy has also generated opportunities for flexible
work, entrepreneurship, and business innovation.
 Accordingly, empirical studies about gig workers reveal this tension between
necessity and opportunity, showing that gig work is experienced very differently
between platforms and across regional and demographic lines. For instance, workers
living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries may have access to higher wages
through online global labour markets than in their countries of residence. Similarly,
some groups, like students or caregivers, may be attracted to the flexibility and
independence of gig work as it allows them to work around unpredictable schedules
[4]. Nevertheless, we found workers share health and social vulnerabilities when
participating in online business platforms, such as the lack of health insurance and
social benefits. We have organized them into three categories described below. These
 vulnerabilities have implications for research, policy, and programs supporting
workers.
Article - The health of workers in the global gig economy
 Abstract
 Health insurance for gig workers is becoming increasingly important as the gig
economy grows rapidly. Most gig workers do not have the health insurance benefits
provided by companies because they work as casual or contract workers. This means
that they have to buy health insurance independently or ignore health insurance
altogether. This study aims to compare the impact of the gig economy on gig worker
health insurance including access to the healthcare sectors, based on previous studies.
The method of this study was a literature review. The research population was all
articles on the topic impact of the gig economy on the health insurance and health
care system published in accredited national and international journals in 2017 –
2023. The research sample was 11 selected articles based on the results searched on
Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Garuda databases. Articles selected based on the
suitability of the title contained full text and discussed the impact of the gig economy
on the worker’s healthcare system. Health insurance is a critical component of
healthcare, and access to health insurance is especially important for gig economy
workers who typically do not receive employer-sponsored health benefits, and there is
a finding that not all gig workers are registered as members by employers but by
themselves, and some of them do not even have health insurance at all. The lack of
access to health insurance for gig workers is a significant concern, and there is a need
for policies and programs that can help address these challenges. Improving access to
healthcare and health insurance for gig workers is an important challenge that requires
innovative solutions and policy changes. By addressing these issues, we can ensure
that gig workers can access the insurance and healthcare they need to stay healthy and
productive and need to develop, evaluate, and implement interventions to address the
needs of workers in non- traditional employment relationships is grow.
RESEARCH GAP:
While existing research acknowledges the challenges of job insecurity within the gig
economy, there is a notable gap in understanding how gig workers cope with and adapt to
these challenges. Limited attention has been given to exploring the specific coping
mechanisms and resilience strategies employed by gig workers to navigate uncertainty and
maintain a sense of security in their work.
Addressing this research gap would involve conducting in-depth qualitative research to
explore the range of coping mechanisms employed by gig workers, as well as their
effectiveness and implications for job security and well-being. By incorporating this
dimension into the proposed study, the research can provide a more holistic understanding of
job security dynamics within the gig economy and contribute actionable insights for
supporting gig workers in navigating the challenges they face.
RESEARCH PROBLEM:
Given the pervasive nature of job insecurity within the gig economy, the research aims to
explore and analyse the coping mechanisms employed by gig workers to navigate
uncertainties in their employment arrangements. By investigating the strategies utilized by
gig workers in response to job insecurity, the study seeks to understand how individuals
within the gig economy adapt to and manage the challenges inherent in their work
environment.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To assess the perceived level of job security among gig workers.
2. To investigate coping mechanisms utilized by gig workers in response to job security.

HYPOTHESES:
Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant relationship between gig workers' perceived job
security and their satisfaction with gig work.
Null Hypothesis (H1): Gig workers who perceive higher levels of job security are more
satisfied with their gig work compared to those who perceive lower levels of job security.
Null Hypothesis (H2): There is no significant relationship between social support networks
and the utilization of coping mechanisms by gig workers.
Null Hypothesis (H3): Gig workers who have stronger social support networks are more
likely to employ effective coping mechanisms to deal with job insecurity compared to those
with limited social support.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

1. Research Design:
This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative surveys
and qualitative interviews to capture a comprehensive understanding of job security in
the gig economy.
2. Sampling:
A purposive sampling technique will be employed to select participants who are
actively engaged in gig work across different industries and demographics.
3. Data Collection:
Surveys will be distributed online, while qualitative data will be collected through
semi-structured interviews conducted either in person or via video conferencing.
4. Data Analysis:
Quantitative data will be analysed using statistical techniques such as regression
analysis, while qualitative data will be subjected to thematic analysis to identify key
themes and patterns.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1. Insights into the factors influencing gig workers’ perceptions of job security.
2. Identification of used by gig workers to cope with job insecurity.
3. Recommendations for policymakers, employers, and gig workers to enhance job
security within the gig economy.

TIMELINES:

1. Planning and Preparation (1 week)

2. Data Collection (2 weeks)
3. Data Analysis (1 week)
4. Interpretation and Discussion (1 week)
5. Report Writing (1 week)

References:
Tran, Molly, and Rosemary K. Sokas. "The gig economy and contingent work:
An occupational health assessment." Journal of occupational and
environmental medicine 59.4 (2017): e63-e66.
Nelson, Gesemia, Melissa J. Monson, and Karam Adibifar. "The gig economy
comes to academia: Job satisfaction among adjunct faculty." Cogent
Education 7.1 (2020): 1786338.
Abraham, Katharine, et al. "Measuring the gig economy: Current knowledge
and open issues." Measuring and Accounting for Innovation in the 21st
Century (2017).
Rahim, Ainatul Fathiyah Abdul, et al. "Strengthening the gig economy." Gading
Journal for Social Sciences (e-ISSN 2600-7568) 24.04 (2021): 17-26.
De Stefano, Valerio. "The rise of the just-in-time workforce: On-demand work,
crowdwork, and labor protection in the gig-economy." Comp. Lab. L. & Pol'y
J. 37 (2015): 471.
Donovan, Sarah A., David H. Bradley, and Jon O. Shimabukuru. "What does the
gig economy mean for workers?." (2016).
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exploring the dark side of the gig economy." Aslib Journal of Information
Management 74.5 (2022): 818-839.
Berg, Janine. "Income security in the on-demand economy: Findings and policy
lessons from a survey of crowdworkers." Comp. Lab. L. & Pol'y J. 37 (2015):
543.
Corujo, Borja Suárez. "The ‘gig’economy and its impact on social security: The
Spanish example." European Journal of Social Security 19.4 (2017): 293-312.
Itohan, Iyobhebhe, Okundalaiye Henry, and Abiodun Olumuyiwa. "JOB
SATISFACTION, JOB SECURITY, AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN
THE GIG ECONOMY (A STUDY OF UBER DRIVERS IN LAGOS,
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