Organizational Behavior in the Gig Economy: Contributions, Challenges, and New Directions

Abstract

The rise of gig work—flexible, short-term, task-based labor, often mediated by digital platforms—has significantly reshaped the employment landscape. This special issue presents five articles that investigate gig work through the lens of organizational behavior (OB), offering new theoretical perspectives and practical insights into this rapidly growing labor segment. The articles examine a range of psychological processes central to gig work, including identity regulation, flow experience, psychological detachment, safety and risk assessments, and algorithmic management. Taken together, they demonstrate that gig work represents more than just a novel context for applying existing theories; it also provides opportunities to rethink foundational OB constructs such as autonomy, motivation, emotional well-being, and managerial control. This special issue illustrates how distinctive features of gig work—algorithmic oversight, precariousness, and limited organizational attachment—challenge traditional assumptions embedded in existing OB theories. Furthermore, it highlights methodological challenges and opportunities unique to gig research. By showcasing gig work's theoretical richness and methodological distinctiveness, we aim to stimulate future research that positions gig work not as peripheral, but as a central domain in the evolution of OB.