Examining the relevance of Human Resource Management in gig work: A systematic literature review & research agenda

Abstract

The paradigm shift brought about by gig work, marked by its flexible and non-traditional employment structures, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its intricate interaction with Human Resource Management (HRM). Through a systematic literature review, this study endeavors to synthesize the existing body of knowledge, illuminating the evolving role of HRM within the dynamic landscape of contemporary gig work. Drawing from an extensive array of scholarly articles, this study reveals that HRM is undeniably pertinent in gig work. However, its application necessitates an innovative and tailored approach that diverges from traditional employment paradigms. The literature encompassing the interface of “HRM” and “Gig work” is distilled into three overarching themes: emanant relevance, refurbished relevance, and obsolete relevance. These thematic classifications reflect the dynamism and evolution of HRM practices as they intersect with gig work. In its culmination, this review accentuates the far-reaching implications of its findings for both academic discourse and practical implementation. The synthesized insights contribute substantively to advancing scholarly comprehension of gig work’s intertwined relationship with HRM, thus serving as a guidepost for future research endeavors.