Addressing the Unemployment Challenge through Mobile Digital Microwork

CPR SOUTH 2018

4 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2018

See all articles by Zaakirah Roomaney

Zaakirah Roomaney

University of Cape Town (UCT) - Department of Information Systems

Jean-Paul Van Belle

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Pitso Tsibolane

University of Cape Town (UCT) - Department of Information Systems

Date Written: October 30, 2018

Abstract

As the global online job market grows, digital microwork is seen by governments in developing countries as a way to reduce unemployment and increase forex earnings. The digital labor market is opening a path for people who have previously been economically excluded to earn an income and live decently. Digital workers are not only able to participate in their respective local job markets, but they are also empowered to compete for jobs in the global online job market regardless of their geographic location. Despite the known potential benefits, there are a number of barriers and potential issues experienced by digital platform workers. We conducted empirical research specifically focused on mobile microworkers in South Africa to investigate attitudes, expectations as well as the key barriers experienced regarding participation in mobile digital microwork. The study conducts an analysis of the various identified issues and proposes several actionable policy implications for South African governmental and non-governmental job creation agencies and, mutatis mutandis, other developing countries with similar contexts.

Suggested Citation

Roomaney, Zaakirah and Van Belle, Jean-Paul and Tsibolane, Pitso, Addressing the Unemployment Challenge through Mobile Digital Microwork (October 30, 2018). CPR SOUTH 2018 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3275122

Zaakirah Roomaney

University of Cape Town (UCT) - Department of Information Systems ( email )

Private Bag X
Rondebosch
Cape Town, Western Cape 7700
South Africa

Jean-Paul Van Belle (Contact Author)

University of Cape Town (UCT) ( email )

3rd Floor, leslie Commerce Building
Engineering Mall, Upper Campus
Cape Town, Western Cape 8000
South Africa

Pitso Tsibolane

University of Cape Town (UCT) - Department of Information Systems ( email )

Private Bag X
Rondebosch
Cape Town, Western Cape 7700
South Africa

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