"No Boss. Flexible Schedule. Quick Pay." - A Qualitative Study on Algorithmic Management and Control in Food Delivery Platforms

Sammanfattning: Modern technology has enabled new managerial solutions in the continuous strive for increased efficiency. One example is Algorithmic Management, which handles typical managerial tasks such as giving directions and providing feedback by tracking and measuring workers. One industry at the forefront of using this technology is home food delivery. The use of Algorithmic Management and its ability to control workers has led to a polarized view of this industry, with the critics making the comparison to Scientific Management and the platform companies claiming the jobs to be free and flexible. Even though the jobs have been argued to be generally highly controlled, there are visible signs that some aspects are not. Examples are couriers working in mixed uniforms, using equipment in poor shape, and seeming generally uncommitted to their jobs. To answer the research question: "In what ways does Algorithmic Management in food delivery platforms affect managerial control?", 13 qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with food delivery couriers and company executives of the major food delivery platform companies in Stockholm. By using theories of organizational structure, motivation, and commitment, the authors have analyzed and discussed how Algorithmic Management implies both increased and decreased ability to control in this setting. Contradicting the critique that these delivery jobs are Digitally Tayloristic, the study concludes that the food delivery companies lack control in some areas, and the results confirm that the replacement of the traditional manager can lead to both increased and decreased control.