What Henri Fayol couldn’t know: Managing gig workers in the new economy

Abstract

Historically, management revolved around supervising employees within fixed organizational boundaries. Today’s blended workforce, comprising both traditional employees and a growing reliance on external labor, demands a recalibration of managerial approaches. Drawing on Henri Fayol’s seminal management functions—planning, organizing, leading, and controlling—we explore the evolution of these functions and their changing implications for modern managers. By integrating classic organizational theories and contemporary labor market trends, we offer insights and strategies for managers to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities inherent in the evolving gig economy landscape.