Malaysian University Students’ Understanding and Perceptions of the Gig Economy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/IJIE.vol17no2.5Keywords:
Gig economy, Malaysia, Online platform, Youth, FlexibilityAbstract
Due to the development of digital technology and the diversification of working
styles in the wake of the recession and pandemic, the demand for flexible task-based gig
work is increasing in Malaysia. However, university students tend to be reluctant to
enter the gig economy, preferring conservative full-time jobs. Knowledge of how well
the younger generation understands and perceives the gig economy is lacking. Based on
this gap, this paper investigates Malaysian students’ understanding of and interest in
the gig economy. Primary data collected through focus group interviews with five labour
economics students were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed eight
subtopics and three main themes, namely: (1) flexible and competitive open market, (2)
recognition as a ‘freelance gig’, and (3) nature of labour diversification. Among practical
implications, this study highlights the need for educators, policymakers and business
entities to expand young people’s knowledge and understanding of new economic
realities, of which the gig economy and gig work are part.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Submission of a manuscript implies: that the work described is original, has not been published before (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, or thesis); that is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; that its publication has been approved by all co-authors, if any, as well as tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities at the institution where the work was carried out. Transfer of copyright to the University of Malaya becomes effective if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright covers the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline and online) or other reproductions of similar nature.
An author may self-archive the English language version of his/her article on his/her own website and his/her institutions repository; however he/she may not use the publishers PDF version which is posted on www.ijie.um.edu.my. Furthermore, the author may only post his/her version, provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link must be accompanied by the following text: The original publication is available at www.ijie.um.edu.my.
All articles published in this journal are protected by copyright, which covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and redistribute the article (e.g. as offprint), as well as all translation rights. No material published in this journal may be reproduced photographically or stored on microfilm, in electronic database, video disks, etc., without first obtaining written permission from the publishers. The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, etc., in this publication, even if not specifically identified, does not imply that these names are not protected by the relevant laws and regulations.
The copyright owners consent does not include copying for general distribution, promotion, new works, or resale. In these cases, specific written permission must first be obtained from the publishers.
