Gig Economy as a Tool for Sustainable Livelihood Strategy for Construction workers in South Africa

Osunsanmi, T O; Aigbavboa, C O; Oke, A E; Liphadzi, M

Abstract

The economic meltdown and recession experienced in the country have affected the construction industry negatively in numerous ways. Among them is the shortage of construction work that affects the livelihood of construction workers. Towards improving the livelihood of construction workers this study proposes the adoption of the gig economy as a tool for enhancing their sustainable livelihood strategy. The study's aim was achieved through administering a questionnaire to construction workers in Gauteng province in South Africa. Random sampling was adopted administering the questionnaire and a total of 60 was retrieved from the construction workers and used for the analysis. The data extracted from the questionnaire was analysed using SPSS V 24, adopting, mean score and frequencies. The study discovered that the workers have low awareness about the adoption of the gig economy as a tool for sustainable livelihood strategy. The adoption is hindered by the corrupt practices within the construction industry and poor collaboration among construction workers. The study contributes to practice through the provision of an effective means for improving the livelihood of workers. The study recommends that collaborative practices should be encouraged and awareness regarding the gig economy should be created in the industry.

Citation

Osunsanmi, T. O., Aigbavboa, C. O., Oke, A. E., & Liphadzi, M. (2019). Gig Economy as a Tool for Sustainable Livelihood Strategy for Construction workers in South Africa. In 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built Environ ment (IPGRC) (224-232)

• Conference Name: 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built Environ ment (IPGRC)
• Conference Location: University of Salford, Manchester
• Start Date: Dec 16, 2019
• End Date: Dec 17, 2019
• Acceptance Date: Oct 20, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2022
• Pages: 224-232
• Book Title: 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built Environ ment (IPGRC)
• Keywords: Construction workers; gig economy; independent contractor; sustainable livelihood
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2883741