I am my own boss: effect of self-leadership on gig worker's work engagement and performance

Purpose This study investigates the relationship between self-leadership and the work performance of gig workers as moderated by perceived organizational support and mediated by work engagement. Design/methodology/approach Linear regression and the Process macro by Hayes were used to examine the hypothesized model, on a data set of 384 gig workers. Findings The outcomes indicated a positive relationship between the self-leadership strategies of the freelancers and their work performance. The association of self-leadership and work performance was moderated by perceived organizational support and partially mediated by work engagement. Originality/value This study responds to the need for exploration of the moderation and mediating mechanisms through which self-leadership influences how gig workers perform at work.