Airlangga Journal of Innovation Management
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Airlangga Journal of Innovation Management

Beyond Flexibility: Management Innovation and Algorithmic Control in the Gig Economy Era

Mercidominick Fidelius Conrad Menachem Purba (Management Study Program, STIE Malangkucecwara, Malang)
Evi Thelia Sari (Management Department, STIE Mahardhika, Surabaya)
Lasman Parulian Purba (Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Darma Cendika Catholic University, Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Apr 2026

Abstract

The gig economy is growing rapidly and is creating new challenges for those responsible for managing workers. The expansion of digital platforms and technological systems has significantly influenced how work is organized and managed in modern labor markets. This study aims to examine how the gig economy affects the management of workers and to understand how technological systems influence human resource management practices. This study aims to examine how the gig economy affects the management of workers and to understand how technological systems influence human resource practices. The results show that digital systems and algorithms are increasingly used to determine task allocation and worker management. These technological developments are significantly transforming the role of managers in the gig economy. The study also finds that gig economy experiences higher vulnerability due to limited legal protection compared to formal workers. The study reveals a paradox between the flexibility desired by workers and the job instability that accompanies gig work. This condition requires adaptive human resource management strategies. Strategic and regulatory updates are also needed to address the emerging challenges in the gig economy. The findings suggest that the HRM function needs to transform in order to manage boundary-less careers in the digital era. Furthermore, future research is recommended to explore the role of artificial intelligence in human resource management practices.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

AJIM

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Airlangga Journal of Innovation Management (AJIM) aims to link the research and practice of innovation management. AJIM adopt a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the many challenges of managing innovation. AJIM encourages the submission of papers addressing the multidisciplinary nature of the ...