EMMANUEL, Ethel Ifeyinwa
Department of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management
Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
stdavideduo@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the relationship between gig economy operations and operational performance of
transport firms in Rivers State. A sample of 201 transportation workers was selected, and a questionnaire
was administered to collect data on the proxies of gig economy operations and operational performance.
The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling to examine the effects of each dimension on
operational performance. The dimensions of gig economy operations identified in the study include
workforce composition, talent sourcing and management, digital platforms, task and project design,
performance metrics and evaluation, legal and regulatory compliance, and collaboration and
communication. Each dimension was analyzed for its impact on specific measures of operational
performance, such as efficiency, quality, and innovation. The findings reveal that workforce composition,
collaboration and communication, digital platforms, talent sourcing and management, and task and project
design significantly influence operational performance in the transportation sector. In conclusion, this study
emphasizes the significance of gig economy operations for operational performance in the transportation
sector; and recommends that organizations should embrace a hybrid workforce model that combines
traditional employees and gig workers. This allows for flexibility, scalability, and access to a diverse talent
pool; and that strategies should be developed to effectively manage and integrate gig workers into the
organizational culture and workflows.
Keywords: Digital platforms, gig economy, operational performance, regulatory compliance, workforce
composition.