Voices Beyond the Road: Comparison of Online Employee Voice in Traditional Transport and the Ride-Sharing Industry

Abstract

This study applies Hirschman’s Exit, Voice and Loyalty framework to examine the dynamics of employee voice in the gig economy, emphasizing the role of digital platforms. Using an exploratory mixed-methods approach, the research analyses Glassdoor data to compare the voice of gig workers to that of traditional employees in the United Kingdom transportation industry. The findings reveal that gig workers’ voices reflect a nuanced balance between autonomy and flexibility, juxtaposed with financial insecurity and precarious working conditions. Conversely, traditional employees often voice dissatisfaction with rigid management and limited flexibility. The study contributes three key insights. First, it proposes viewing Exit, Voice and Loyalty as a continuum, reflecting gig workers’ dynamic decision-making. Second, it identifies digital platforms as critical arenas for employee voice, shifting expressions from internal to public discourse. Third, it demonstrates the value of mixed methods, integrating social evaluation techniques to understand employee voice across different employment models.