Algorithmic management and gig worker well-being: unpacking the roles of job autonomy, precarity and union instrumentality

Purpose – This study investigates the mediating roles of job precarity and job autonomy, and the moderating role of union instrumentality, in the relationship between Algorithmic Management (AM) and gig workers' well-being. Design/methodology/approach – Building upon the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, this study examines how AM affects gig workers' well-being through job precarity and job autonomy, with these effects moderated by union instrumentality. Employing three-wave data collected from 639 gig workers, this study conducted confirmatory factor analysis to assess the discriminant and convergent validity of the measures for AM, job precarity, job autonomy, well-being and union instrumentality. Meanwhile, bootstrapping tests were carried out to ascertain the direct, indirect and conditional indirect effects. Findings – Results indicated that AM was negatively associated with gig workers' well-being, with job precarity and job autonomy mediating this relationship. Union instrumentality moderated the relationship between AM and job precarity and job autonomy. Specifically, the indirect effect of AM on gig workers' well-being, via job precarity and job autonomy, was diminished with high union instrumentality. Originality/value – These findings enrich well-being literature by centering on gig work, advancing the application of the JD-R theory. Moreover, it underscores the significant role of union instrumentality in influencing gig workers' well-being, offering new insights for future research.