Corporate social responsibility and gig worker commitment: empowerment and trust as mediators

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on gig workers’ commitment to online platforms. Design/methodology/approach The study’s sample consisted of 357 gig workers in Vietnam. The data was analysed using a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Findings The research findings suggested that the interaction between CSR and worker commitment with gig platforms has the mediating role of empowerment and trust. Practical implications The gig economy is an emerging form of employment relationship, in which gig workers’ commitments are usually to the platform rather than to a sole employer. This study suggests that gig platform owners should improve CSR perception to increase employee commitment and maintain their workforce to attract new users. Originality/value This study developed a new framework to explain the relationship between CSR and gig work commitment, and furthermore evaluated the effects of mediating mechanisms of empowerment and trust on gig worker commitment in the gig economy platform.