Breaking the Managerial Silencing of Worker Voice in Platform Capitalism: The Rise of a Food Courier Network

Kougiannou, Nadia K.; Mendon�a, Pedro

Abstract

This paper examines food couriers’ utilization of voice mechanisms as mobilization against employer silencing within platform capitalism. The concepts of ‘worker silence’ and ‘worker voice’ are used to facilitate an understanding of the way in which workers respond to workplace problems, as well as their capacity to respond within this specific context. Findings illustrate the role of technology as a facilitator but also inhibitor of worker voice. In particular, online food delivery companies’ over-reliance on algorithmic management and their online app drove couriers to silence. However, in reaction to managerial silencing, we show that couriers are not passive recipients of forces beyond their control, and attempt to explore new trajectories and modes of voice in order to influence their working conditions. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Citation

Kougiannou, N. K., & Mendonça, P. (2021). Breaking the Managerial Silencing of Worker Voice in Platform Capitalism: The Rise of a Food Courier Network. British Journal of Management, 32(3), 744-759. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12505

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 5, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Deposit Date: May 20, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 20, 2021
• Journal: British Journal of Management
• Print ISSN: 1045-3172
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-8551
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 744-759
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12505
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2774132