Supplier Resources in the Sharing Economy: Three Regulatory Concerns

Abstract

This article explores three legal and regulatory concerns that primarily affect the supply side of marketing channels in the sharing economy. The sharing economy depends on resources and relationships between and among numerous networks and actors, including government regulators, emerging businesses, service providers, and end users who interact directly with the supply chain. Although providing economic prospects for companies and contractors, the sharing economy presents a variety of challenges for all parties, including the proper classification of the employment relationship; the use of, and access to, private property; and data privacy and security. The nascent state of theory and regulation means that companies and other stakeholders are potentially and unwarily assuming significant risk in the structure and implementation of the supply chain.