Uber and the Ethics of Sharing: Exploring the Societal Promises and Responsibilities of the Sharing Economy

Abstract

This case explores the changes wrought on society via the ``sharing economy'' by examining the innovations and controversies surrounding Uber. It provides a unique overview of the challenges posed by new business models, like Uber's, which use the internet to link individual providers of goods and services to customers. Raising significant economic, social and environmental sustainability issues, it asks: what are the responsibilities of ``sharing economy'' companies like Uber? Are they merely ``technological platforms'' facilitating transactions for private, individual business people, or are they real-world companies, with the same responsibilities as transportation companies, hotels and employment agencies?