Exploring the Relationship between Digital Gig Working and Entrepreneurial intentions of freelancers (Upwork & Fiverr platforms)
Thirimanna, Dona Layani Sachitha (2024)
Thirimanna, Dona Layani Sachitha
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051311407
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051311407
Tiivistelmä
The digital gig economy has developed due to the freelancing platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. While research explores motivations for freelancing, a gap exists in understanding how the gig economy's specific characteristics influence entrepreneurial aspirations of freelancers. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors influencing the transition of freelancers to entrepreneurship, analyse the impact of each factor, and provide recommendations for freelancing platforms to support gig freelancers entering entrepreneurship.
This study has identified the type of digital work, income stability, digital skills, work autonomy, and geographical flexibility are important factors that impact freelancers' decisions to transition to entrepreneurship. Based on those factors, the study’s conceptual framework and research hypotheses were developed. The used theoretical frameworks are the Push Pull theory, Self-Determination Theory, Transaction Cost Economics and Vroom's Expectancy Theory.
To test the research hypotheses, a quantitative approach was employed using a survey distributed through online communities. Data was collected from 78 respondents through a survey instrument with 5-point Likert scale questions. Collected data was analysed using the SPSS software. The analysis included demographic analysis, reliability and validity analysis, descriptive analysis, Pearson Correlation and Regression Analysis.
According to the Pearson correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between entrepreneurial intentions and type of digital gig work, income stability, digital skills, autonomy, and geographical flexibility. Based on the multiple regression test, the model explained 62.1% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention predicted from independent variables. There were statistically significant positive relationships between entrepreneurial intentions and type of digital gig work, income stability, autonomy, and geographical flexibility except digital skills.
It is recommended for freelancing platforms to develop educational resources, establish mentorship programs, offer access to business tools…etc. For future research, qualitative studies and longitudinal studies are suggested.
This study has identified the type of digital work, income stability, digital skills, work autonomy, and geographical flexibility are important factors that impact freelancers' decisions to transition to entrepreneurship. Based on those factors, the study’s conceptual framework and research hypotheses were developed. The used theoretical frameworks are the Push Pull theory, Self-Determination Theory, Transaction Cost Economics and Vroom's Expectancy Theory.
To test the research hypotheses, a quantitative approach was employed using a survey distributed through online communities. Data was collected from 78 respondents through a survey instrument with 5-point Likert scale questions. Collected data was analysed using the SPSS software. The analysis included demographic analysis, reliability and validity analysis, descriptive analysis, Pearson Correlation and Regression Analysis.
According to the Pearson correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between entrepreneurial intentions and type of digital gig work, income stability, digital skills, autonomy, and geographical flexibility. Based on the multiple regression test, the model explained 62.1% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention predicted from independent variables. There were statistically significant positive relationships between entrepreneurial intentions and type of digital gig work, income stability, autonomy, and geographical flexibility except digital skills.
It is recommended for freelancing platforms to develop educational resources, establish mentorship programs, offer access to business tools…etc. For future research, qualitative studies and longitudinal studies are suggested.