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The Gig Economy: Current Issues, the Debate, and the New Avenues of Research

Author

Listed:
  • Radosław Malik

    (SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Anna Visvizi

    (SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland
    Effat College of Business, Effat University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia)

  • Małgorzata Skrzek-Lubasińska

    (SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

In the context of the debate on platform economy, on the one hand, and the gig economy, on the other, this paper delineates the conceptual boundaries of both concepts to query the gig economy research included in the Web of Science database. The initial search, cutoff date February 2020, targeting “gig economy” returned a sample of 378 papers dealing with the topic. The subsequent analysis, employing the science mapping method and relating software (SciMAT), allowed to query the body of research dealing with gig economy in detail. The value added by this paper is fourfold. First, the broad literature on gig economy is mapped and the nascent synergies relating both to research opportunities and economic implications are identified and highlighted. Second, the findings reveal that while research on gig economy proliferates, the distinction between “platform” and “gig” economy frequently remains blurred in the analysis. This paper elaborates on this issue. Third, it is highlighted that the discussion on gig economy is largely dispersed and a clearer research agenda is needed to streamline the discussion to improve its exploratory and explanatory potential. This paper suggests ways of navigating this issue. Fourth, by mapping the existing research on gig economy and highlighting its caveats, the way toward a comprehensive research agenda in the field is highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Radosław Malik & Anna Visvizi & Małgorzata Skrzek-Lubasińska, 2021. "The Gig Economy: Current Issues, the Debate, and the New Avenues of Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:5023-:d:546603
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    References listed on IDEAS

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