Algorithmic control and gig workers’ facades of conformity: A work stress perspective

I examined the relationship between algorithmic control and gig workers’ facades of conformity by investigating the underlying mechanism. Drawing on the challenge–hindrance stress model, I explored the mediating role of challenge stress and hindrance stress in this relationship. Then, by using data collected from an online food delivery platform in China, I demonstrated that hindrance stress positively mediated the relationship between algorithmic control and facades of conformity, but the mediating effect of challenge stress was not significant. This study contributes to the emerging research field of algorithmic control by not only empirically examining its effect on gig workers’ psychological and behavioral outcomes, but also exploring the underlying mechanisms between algorithmic control and gig workers’ facades of conformity. It offers a reference point and guidance for managers of gig economy enterprises.