Controlling Working Crowds: The Impact of Digitalization on Worker Autonomy and Monitoring Across Hierarchical Levels

Gerten E, Beckmann M, Bellmann L (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik Lucius & Lucius / DeGruyter

Book Volume: 239

Pages Range: 441-481

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2017-0154

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on worker autonomy and monitoring using the second wave of the German Linked Personnel Panel, a linked employer-employee data set. From a theoretical point of view, the impact of ICT on workplace organization is ambiguous. On the one hand, the fast diffusion of ICT among employees makes it possible to monitor professional activities, leading to greater centralization. On the other hand, ICT enable employees to work more autonomously, so that workplace organization becomes more decentralized. Based on ordinary least squares and instrumental variable estimates, we find that ICT promotes both centralization and decentralization tendencies. Furthermore, managerial employees are more affected by ICT-induced monitoring and autonomy than their non-managerial counterparts. Finally, the effect of digital ICT on employee autonomy is more pronounced than the corresponding effect on employee monitoring. Again, this does especially hold for managerial employees. All in all, our results support the view that unlike prior technological revolutions digitalization primarily affects the employment prospects and working conditions of employees at medium and higher hierarchical levels.

Authors with CRIS profile

Lutz Bellmann Lehrstuhl für Volkswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Arbeitsökonomie (Stiftungslehrstuhl)

Involved external institutions

Universität Basel CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Gerten, E., Beckmann, M., & Bellmann, L. (2019). Controlling Working Crowds: The Impact of Digitalization on Worker Autonomy and Monitoring Across Hierarchical Levels. Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik, 239(3), 441-481. https://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2017-0154

MLA:

Gerten, Elisa, Michael Beckmann, and Lutz Bellmann. "Controlling Working Crowds: The Impact of Digitalization on Worker Autonomy and Monitoring Across Hierarchical Levels." Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik 239.3 (2019): 441-481.

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