Joint SAFE Visitors Program and Applied Microeconomics and Organization Seminar on
“Virtual Teams in a Gig Economy”
Prof. Yan Chen, Ph.D. (University of Michigan)
Co-authored with Teng Ye, Wei Ai, Qiaozhu Mei, Jieping Ye, and Lingyu Zhang
Abstract: While the gig economy provides flexible jobs for millions of workers globally, a lack of organization identity and co-worker bonds contributes to their low engagement and high attrition rates. To test the impact of virtual teams on worker productivity, retention and well-being, we conduct a field experiment with 27,790 drivers on a ride-sharing platform. We organize drivers into teams that are randomly assigned to receiving their team ranking, or individual ranking within their team, or individual performance information (control). We find that treated drivers generate significantly higher revenue. Furthermore, drivers in the team ranking treatment continue to be more engaged three months after the end of the experiment. Survey data suggest that peer learning and team identity contribute to the virtual team efficacy.
To take part in person, it is mandatory that you register before Wednesday 5 p.m. using the following link: Registration Link
The seminar will be held at the House of Finance, room Commerzbank, E.22
- The 3G rule applies to participation at the seminar, i.e. you can only take part in person, if you are either vaccinated, tested or recovered from Covid. Please carry the respective certificate with you.
- There is a general obligation to wear medical masks in the buildings of Goethe University.
For those who are not able to take part in person, we will live stream the event. Please find here the Zoom link.
