Question

The job market of the 21st century is often referred to as the “gig economy.” Employers such as Uber, Amazon, Airbnb, and others are increasingly relying on short-term freelance employees who work on a piecemeal basis.

Proponents of the gig economy suggest it offers workers the freedom to work where and when they want, while employers can reduce labor costs by avoiding health insurance and payroll taxes. Others suggest that businesses are simply taking advantage of a tough economy to cut benefits and offer lower wages to people desperate for work.

If you were the head of a large corporation, would you consider it ethical to profit from the gig economy?

Note that you need to validate all definitions, and matters not known as facts, by citing from credible sources.

Remember that discussion posts must be substantial with evidence (in APA format) adding to the conversation/discussion.

Answer 1

World of work in the corporate is keep on changing.Nowdays corporate are choosing freelancers and independent contractors for the work delegation. With the help of independent contractors, temporary workers,oncall workers, online plat form workers companies getting great benefit from the gig economy.

Gig Economy:

This encourages corporate companies to allocate the work to Freelancers, independent contractors, online platform works or temporary workers for the business profits. By allocating work to these freelancers companies gaining more benefits .Those are listed below .

It has following advantages to corporate companies

Ø Office space reduction

Ø Helps to reduce the cost in medical and health insurance

Ø Facilities cost reduction

Ø Reduce the training and development cost

Ø Food and beverage cost reduction

Ø Work is done effectively with less cost

Gig economy encourages people to work from the anywhere with the help of mobile or laptop along with internet connection .Most of the companies like UBER ,amazon,Airbnb ,OLA encouraging Gig economy in their business .in U.S 40% population are independent contractors. This is expecting to grow in upcoming days.

Some of the advantages for the workers

Ø Work –life balance

Ø Flexible work time

Ø Independent boss

But however some issues like job security and absence insurance schemes will be a concern for the workers. Overall gig economy will have more advantages than the disadvantages .So nothing wrong in selecting the Gig economy for the business development.

Ethical point of view except medical insurance and job security other factors are found attractive for the workers .For employers no doubt this will bring greater benefits for their business growth.