Perception of the Psychological Contract in a Gig Economy in India

Abstract

The gig economy has emerged as a prominent aspect of India’s modern job landscapes, bringing fresh perspectives to the conventional employer-employee dynamic. This research delves into the psychological contract perception in the context of India’s gig economy, illuminating the unwritten contracts, understandings, and agreements that gig workers and their clients have. This study examines important elements of the psychological contract, including organisational obligations like training, fairness, and recognition and employee requirements like honesty, loyalty, and flexibility. As organisations increasingly rely on a mixed workforce comprising both permanent and gig workers, understanding and managing the psychological contract becomes crucial for fostering productive and satisfying work relationships. Understanding the dynamics of the psychological contract can help organisations adapt to the changing labour market trends in India and promote retention and satisfaction among gig workers. The paper is specific to millennials who are becoming more inclined to freelance and take on part-time jobs as a result of changing economic conditions and the growth of online gig marketplaces.