Algorithmic management versus organising protest and co-determination? The case of Foodora/Lieferando in Germany

Journal title STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI
Author/s Jasmin Schreyer
Publishing Year 2021 Issue 2021/1
Language English Pages 24 P. 105-128 File size 289 KB
DOI 10.3280/SO2021-001005
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The so-called ‘platform economy’ or ‘gig economy’ and its ambivalent effects on the working environment is a focal point of social science research. The contribution analyses, based on a case study, algorithmic work in the platform economy, its working conditions, and the way gig workers organised and articulated their protest. The algorithmic management of Lieferando (formerly Foodora) governs its employees through algorithmic-driven and standardized work coordination. Therefore, different conflicts between the company and its workers arose, concerning working conditions, working relations, and co-determination. Organising, protest, and established co-determination mechanisms play a crucial role for the employees. As a result, there exists currently a few institutionalized relationships between the platform and its workforce in Germany.

Keywords: Platform economy, gig economy, algorithmic management, organizing protest, co-determination

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Jasmin Schreyer, Algorithmic management versus organising protest and co-determination? The case of Foodora/Lieferando in Germany in "STUDI ORGANIZZATIVI " 1/2021, pp 105-128, DOI: 10.3280/SO2021-001005