IT Professionals in the Gig Economy

2023 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 0

Authors: Gussek, Lisa; Wiesche, Manuel

Abstract: When IT work is performed through digital labor markets, IT professionals have a ... Expand

Abstract: When IT work is performed through digital labor markets, IT professionals have a high degree of personal responsibility for their careers and must use appropriate strategies to be successful. This paper investigates the success of IT freelancers on digital labor platforms. Drawing on signaling theory, a dataset of 7166 IT freelancers is used to examine how activating, pointing, and supporting signals lead to success. Analysis was carried out using negative binomial regression. The results indicate that the three signaling types positively influence the objective career success of IT freelancers. This paper contributes to the literature by testing signaling theory in the new context of digital labor platforms, investigating IT specifics, and proposing support as a new type of signal for IT professionals on digital labor platforms. In practice, the results provide guidelines for IT freelancers to improve their success within their careers. Collapse

Topics: IT career human resource management IT skill IT workforce system support

Methods: digital trace data regression analysis method descriptive statistic computational algorithm statistical hypothesis test

Theories: signaling theory

Facts vs. Stories - Assessment and Conventional Signals as Predictors of Freelancers’ Performance in Online Labor Markets

2018 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Holthaus, Christian; Darmstadt, TU

Abstract: This paper investigates how freelancers’ use of signals predicts earnings in onl ... Expand

Abstract: This paper investigates how freelancers’ use of signals predicts earnings in online labor markets. Extant literature has questioned the usefulness of some assessment signals to evaluate a freelancer’s quality. We find that conventional signals – signals based on non-verifiable information – can be predictors of higher revenue, when they are based on anecdotes of positive past events (self-promotion). However, mere kindness and flattery towards the customer (ingratiation) is negatively associated with a freelancers’ earnings in OLM. Moreover, we find evidence that the number of tests performed on the platform is significantly associated with higher earnings - with each test that is added to the profile a freelancer‘s revenue increases by 4.1 %. We base our analysis on a sample of 1065 freelancers using objective financial earnings data, independent codings and survey data. Collapse

Topics: online labor market relational database database system electronic market knowledge work

Methods: survey descriptive statistic regression analysis method statistical hypothesis test linear regression analysis

Theories: lemon market theory

Technology-Mediated Learning for Resilience

2018 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Majchrzak, Tim A; Busch, Peter Andre; Sandvik, Kjetil

Abstract: Resilience is a topic of steadily increasing interest. It particularly gains imp ... Expand

Abstract: Resilience is a topic of steadily increasing interest. It particularly gains importance when discussing how communities (e.g. municipalities) can prepare themselves for potential future disruptions. A resilient community will overcome immediate shocks, such as an earthquake, as well as stresses, such as the successive outbreak of a pandemic. Due to the novelty of the topic, research particularly exists on theoretical aspects of resilience. Targeting learning – and thereby the local population – is a rather new emergence. To effectively reach, involve, and engage citizens, technology can play a key role. Based on four actual cases from communities we analyse the impact technology has on learning about resilience. We then scrutinize the effectiveness and propose future steps. Thereby, we seek to provide practical advice to local governments and to enrich the theory at the same time. Collapse

Topics: online learning system natural hazard internet technology information system use web forum

Methods: participant observation field study survey literature study qualitative coding

Good Signals, Bad Signals: Performance and Trait Implications of Signaling in Online Labor Markets

2017 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Holthaus, Christian; Stock, Ruth M.

Abstract: Extant literature has recently started to study “online labor markets”, online p ... Expand

Abstract: Extant literature has recently started to study “online labor markets”, online platforms “for individuals and organizations to quickly identify short-term workers” (Farrell et al. 2016, p. 1). In these platforms, freelancers are required to send diverse signals to reduce information asymmetry and attract new customers. Our research in progress is the first to explore how freelancers’ individual character traits may influence this signaling behavior and how different signals affect performance in online labor markets. Accordingly, we distinguish between different types of traits, such as neuroticism and openness to experience as well as different types of signals – those that are easy to fake (conventional signals) and those that are hard to fake (assessment signals). The analysis will be based on survey measures, objective measures and data from third-raters. Collapse

Topics: online labor market customer satisfaction financial performance anonymity social network

Methods: survey self reported survey descriptive statistic structural equation modeling confirmatory factor analysis

Theories: signaling theory economic theory motivation theory

Information Systems in Transition Economies: Does Ownership Matter?

2017 | Information Systems Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Keszey, Tamara

Abstract: This research investigates the moderating roles of firm ownership in managerial ... Expand

Abstract: This research investigates the moderating roles of firm ownership in managerial perceptions of information systems (IS) in transition economies. Analysis of representative survey data from 304 companies in Hungary showed that perceptions of IS are driven by organizational variables in foreign firms, and by environmental variables in domestic firms. The findings embrace a more fine-grained notion of variables affecting IS usefulness in the transition economy context by showing that those are contingent on firm ownership. Collapse

Topics: perceived usefulness information systems usefulness organizational commitment marketing management information system use

Methods: survey SEM tool structural equation modeling descriptive statistic literature study