Work

Determinants of Demand in Digital Platform-Mediated Service Work in Turkey: An Empirical Study

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Despite claims that digital platform-mediated jobs may have negative consequences for the labor market, empirical evidence supports the existence of positive effects, especially for low-paid and low-skilled service jobs. Comparative studies on the characteristics, working conditions, and earnings of workers who perform these jobs on digital platforms are becoming widespread. However, there needs to be more literature regarding the demand side of digital platform-mediated service jobs. This study aims to determine the factors affecting the demand for digital platform-mediated services using a dataset obtained from a comprehensive survey conducted by Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) throughout Turkey. The study uses the probit econometric model with a qualitative dependent variable. The results show that the income level of the individuals, the characteristics of the region where they live, and the familiarity of individuals with digital platforms significantly affect the demand for digital platform-mediated services. The findings demonstrate that specifically middle-income individuals, compared to individuals in other income groups, individuals residing in areas with high population density, compared to individuals in other regions, and individuals with Internet familiarity, compared to other individuals, exhibit a higher demand for digital platform-mediated services.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su151310521

Authors: Ensar Balkaya, İkram Yusuf Yarbaşı, Muhammed İkbal Tepeler

Institutions: Atatürk University, Erzurum Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Work Transformation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,447