Silence of crowdworkers—reasons and implications for work conditions and quality

Abstract Microtasks accomplished by humans are used in many corners of the Internet. They help to make decisions where it is not possible to rely on algorithms (yet) like insult detection or fake reviews. People conducting crowdwork, crowdworkers, are often recruited via platforms where employers have more power than crowdworkers. This is sometimes misused by offering poor work conditions, which can lead to poor work quality. Online feedback systems (OFS) can discipline employers to improve work conditions and subsequently work quality. Unfortunately, the majority of crowdworkers do not contribute to an OFS and remain silent. We develop and test a model based on self-determination theory with PLS-SEM to explain their silence. Perceived cost and perceived non-relevance are deterrents to contributions. However, satisfaction in helping others and the wish to belong to the community are significant motivational factors, which could be used in the design of an OFS to foster crowdworkers’ contributions.