Sandra L. Fisher, Jeroen Meijerink and Martijn Arets
The current study examines the relationship between platform workers’ economic dependence on platform work and work satisfaction in the context of algorithmic management.
Abstract
Purpose
The current study examines the relationship between platform workers’ economic dependence on platform work and work satisfaction in the context of algorithmic management.
Design/methodology/approach
We surveyed 1,094 platform workers on 6 online labor platforms in the Netherlands to evaluate their perceived economic dependence and levels of work satisfaction.
Findings
We find that the relationship between economic dependence and work satisfaction in an online labor platform environment is dual in nature. This depends on the type of mediator that is at play. We find that economic dependence and work satisfaction are negatively related when mediated by work autonomy, yet positively related when mediated by affective commitment. Moreover, the negative relationship between economic dependence and work satisfaction is attenuated when workers perceive that online labor platforms use algorithmic management in the form of online review systems to help them improve and perform more effectively.
Originality/value
This study sheds new light on the positive impact of platform workers’ economic dependence and platforms’ usage of online review systems on workers’ experience alongside their downsides that are (more) extensively reported on in the literature.
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Belen Fraile-Rojas, Carmen De-Pablos-Heredero and Mariano Mendez-Suarez
This article explores the use of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and machine learning (ML) models to discover underlying concepts of gender inequality applied to…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the use of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and machine learning (ML) models to discover underlying concepts of gender inequality applied to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in female social media conversations. The first purpose is to characterize female users who use this platform to share content around this area. The second is to identify the most prominent themes among female users’ digital production of gender inequality concepts, applied to AI technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
Social opinion mining has been applied to historical Twitter data. Data were gathered using a combination of analytical methods such as word clouds, sentiment analyses and clustering. It examines 172,041 tweets worldwide over a limited period of 359 days.
Findings
Empirical data gathered from interactions of female users in digital dialogues highlight that the most prominent topics of interest are the future of AI technologies and the active role of women to guarantee gender balanced systems. Algorithmic bias impacts female user behaviours in response to injustice and inequality in algorithmic outcomes. They share topics of interest and lead constructive conversations with profiles affiliated with gender or race empowerment associations. Women challenged by stereotypes and prejudices are likely to fund entrepreneurial solutions to create opportunities for change.
Research limitations/implications
This study does have its limitations, however. First, different keywords are likely to result in a different pool of related research. Moreover, due to the nature of our sample, the largest proportion of posts are from native English speakers, predominantly (88%) from the US, UK, Australia and Canada. This demographic concentration reflects specific social structures and practices that influence gender equity priorities within the sample. These cultural contexts, which often emphasize inclusivity and equity, play a significant role in shaping the discourse around gender issues. These cultural norms, preferences and practices are critical in understanding the individual behaviours, perspectives and priorities expressed in the posts; in other words, it is vital to consider cultural context and economic determinants in an analysis of gender equity discussions. The US, UK, Australia and Canada share a cultural and legal heritage, a common language, values, democracy and the rule of law. Bennett (2007) emphasizes the potential for enhanced cooperation in areas like technology, trade and security, suggesting that the anglosphere’s cultural and institutional commonalities create a natural foundation for a cohesive, influential global network. These shared characteristics further influence the common approaches and perspectives on gender equity in public discourse. Yet findings from Western nations should not be assumed to apply easily to the contexts of other countries.
Practical implications
From a practical perspective, the results help us understand the role of female influencers and scrutinize public conversations. From a theoretical one, this research upholds the argument that feminist critical thought is indispensable in the development of balanced AI systems.
Social implications
The results also help us understand the role of female influencers: ordinary individuals often challenged by gender and race discrimination. They request an intersectional, collaborative and pluralistic understanding of gender and race in AI. They act alone and endure the consequences of stigmatized products and services. AI curators should strongly consider advocating for responsible, impartial technologies, recognizing the indispensable role of women. This must consider all stakeholders, including representatives from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), civil society and academia.
Originality/value
This study aims to fill critical research gaps by addressing the lack of a socio-technical perspective on AI-based decision-making systems, the shortage of empirical studies in the field and the need for a critical analysis using feminist theories. The study offers valuable insights that can guide managerial decision-making for AI researchers and practitioners, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic through a critical lens.
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Paul Gretton-Watson, Sandra G. Leggat and Jodi Oakman
This study investigates the drivers and mitigators of workplace bullying in surgical environments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, utilizing social identity theory (SIT) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the drivers and mitigators of workplace bullying in surgical environments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, utilizing social identity theory (SIT) and contemporary models of psychological safety. It introduces the concept of personality traits as a bridging factor between drivers and mitigators.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 surgeons. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, was used to map findings to the SIT framework and incorporate psychological safety and personality theory.
Findings
Key drivers of workplace bullying include entrenched hierarchical power structures, gender dynamics and early socialization in competitive environments. The “bad apple” phenomenon, where personality traits such as narcissism and low emotional intelligence exacerbate bullying, contrasts with individuals demonstrating empathy and interpersonal awareness, who mitigate such behaviors. Effective leadership, generational shifts and team stability through procedural inclusion are key mitigators that promote psychological safety and collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
Sample diversity, self-reporting bias and temporal context may impact the generalizability of findings across broader health and surgical settings in contemporary practice.
Practical implications
Addressing entrenched power imbalances and fostering inclusive leadership and practices are critical to mitigating bullying. Promoting psychological safety and leveraging generational change can reshape surgical culture, leading to healthier teams and improved patient outcomes.
Originality/value
This study bridges SIT with theories of personality and psychological safety, offering new perspectives on how individual traits and systemic dynamics shape bullying behaviors and culture in surgical teams, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
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Rabih Nehme, ALCheikh Edmond Kozah and Sandra Khalil
This research paper investigates variances in auditors’ attitudes toward dysfunctional audit behavior (DAB) in two different time periods. The purpose of this paper is to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper investigates variances in auditors’ attitudes toward dysfunctional audit behavior (DAB) in two different time periods. The purpose of this paper is to explore changes in DAB among experienced/inexperienced auditors as well as differences between male/female auditors while facing time budget and time deadline pressures.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses surveys administered to a group of junior auditors joining a Big 4 firm in the UK and compares the results to surveys completed by the same group of auditors after three years of experience. The survey assesses participant’s perception of DAB in the presence of time budget and time deadline.
Findings
The results of this paper show that experienced auditors have more tolerant views of DAB then inexperienced auditors. In terms of gender, inexperienced male auditors are more accepting of DAB when compared to their inexperienced female counterparts. Female auditors surveyed in both time periods seem to be unfavorable of DAB.
Originality/value
The uniqueness of this study derives from the fact that it explores the same group of auditors and assesses variances in their perception of DAB in two different periods over a passage of three years during which inexperienced auditors become experienced.
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Tamer Elswah, Eid Abozaid and Ahmed Diab
The various factors influencing audit fees are still unclear, which may undermine the possibility of attaining fair audit pricing. Against this concern, this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The various factors influencing audit fees are still unclear, which may undermine the possibility of attaining fair audit pricing. Against this concern, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the auditee’s corporate characteristics and audit fees. In addition, it reveals if accounting comparability, as a proxy for financial reporting quality, mediates such a relationship by bringing evidence from an emerging market.
Design/methodology/approach
This study depends on data from nonfinancial companies listed on the Egyptian stock exchange from 2016 to 2019. It adopts multiple regression models to test the impact of corporate characteristics and accounting comparability on audit fees and uses path analysis to test the indirect effect of the audit clients’ characteristics on audit fees through accounting comparability.
Findings
The authors found a significant positive (negative) effect of firm profitability on audit fees (accounting comparability). Further, accounting comparability has a significant negative effect on audit fees. The authors also found that accounting comparability partially mediates the significant relationship between profitability and audit fees. However, the authors found no significant association between leverage and audit fees. Finally, the authors found that accounting comparability does not mediate the relationship between leverage and audit fees.
Practical implications
This study’s findings can benefit audit practitioners in Egypt by showing the main factors affecting audit fees, especially audit clients’ attributes. The current findings also guide professional bodies responsible for issuing accounting and audit standards regarding the importance of financial reporting quality for audit pricing decisions.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of accounting comparability concerning the corporate characteristics-audit fees relationship in developing African countries such as Egypt. This study’s findings can benefit audit practitioners in Egypt by showing the main factors affecting audit fees, especially audit clients’ attributes. The current findings also guide professional bodies responsible for issuing accounting and audit standards regarding the importance of financial reporting quality for audit pricing decisions.