Education level as a catalyst: exploring the relationship between job autonomy, joy of work, and performance among low-skilled physical gig workers in Malaysia

Abstract

The gig economy has experienced a rise due to the prominence of digital platforms and the worldwide pandemic, leading to many individuals losing their regular income and joining the gig economy. As this phenomenon expands worldwide, Malaysia is no exception. This study examines Malaysian gig work through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R) by focusing on the unique aspects of job autonomy and joy of work towards the performance of precarious gig work, while considering education level as a moderating factor. Judgmental sampling was applied to locate low-skilled physical gig workers. The hypotheses were validated using the structural equation model (SEM) approach. The novelty of the study is attributed to the examination of “joy of work” among gig workers - a new aspect that is often overlooked. The results show that job autonomy, joy of work and work performance have positive significant relationships. Additionally, education level acts as a significant moderator, with higher education levels having a stronger effect on job autonomy and work performance. The insights from this study can be used by gig companies to craft unique work arrangements to achieve desirable outcomes in the growing gig economy.