Ethical predicaments of gig economy: Bibliometric approach

Abstract

This article rigorously examines the landscape of gig economy literature, focusing intently on ethical considerations through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1000 publications spanning from 2015 to 2023. The investigation reveals the emergence of four primary cluster topics—gig economy, flexibility, privacy, and security—unveiling critical dimensions within the ongoing discourse on the evolving nature of gig employment. Significantly, the study identifies intriguing subtopics necessitating further exploration, such as data security, surveillance, worker exploitation, precarity, and legal considerations. This nuanced exploration not only contributes to the existing gig economy literature but also catalyzes essential discussions surrounding pressing ethical concerns in the contemporary world of work. The implications of the findings are profound, emphasizing the imperative for sustained research efforts to deepen our understanding of the evolving challenges within the gig economy, thereby enriching policy debates in the ever-evolving landscape of the labor market. This study not only provides valuable insights but also acts as a roadmap for ongoing discourse, guiding future inquiries into the intricate ethical facets of the gig economy and shaping frameworks and policies aligned with the dynamic nature of contemporary work environments.