Understanding the experience and meaning of app-based food delivery from a mobility perspective. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yuting; Wang, Hongli; Xu, Honggang
• Is Part Of: International journal of hospitality management. Volume 99(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Mobility -- Experience -- Meaning -- Lifestyle -- Gig economy -- China; Hotel management -- Periodicals; Restaurant management -- Periodicals; Food service management -- Periodicals; Hôtels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Restaurants -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Services alimentaires -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Food service management; Hotel management; Restaurant management; Periodicals; 647.94
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.103070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4319

Abstract

Abstract: Online food delivery service has developed rapidly and expanded the boundaries of the catering industry. Being a food delivery rider in the gig economy attracts workers with the premises of flexibility and freedom. However, existing studies based on labor process theory revealed that freedom is fictitious. The study sheds light on how the individual rider finds meaning in their work from the mobility perspective. A mixed-method approach based on questionnaires, interviews, and mobile ethnography is applied. Findings showed that food delivery riders gain the experience of freedom in many aspects, from flexible working hours, body movement, immediate cash transfer to freedom from many other regulations. Being a rider represents a free lifestyle and a way to control one's fate. Yet, it is perceived as a transitional job. This study contributes to making connections between the mobility perspective and work-related studies. Highlights: The new mobility paradigm provides an approach to understand app-based workers from individuals' experience and meaning. Food delivery riders gain the experience of freedom from flexible working hours, body movement, and few regulations. Being a rider represents a free lifestyle and a way to control one's fate.