Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

Journal of Iranian Public Administration Studies

A Conceptual Exploration of the Gig Economy from the Perspective of Human Resource Management Strategies: A Meta-Integrative Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Management, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
2 Department of Management, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/jipas.2025.526209.1814
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for human resource management (HRM) strategies within the context of the gig economy using a meta-synthesis approach. The transformations driven by digitalization and the rise of platform-based organizations have redefined employment structures and reshaped the requirements of HRM. Accordingly, this research systematically analyzes and integrates the existing literature to identify and synthesize the dimensions, components, and interrelations of the most influential factors shaping HRM in the gig economy. The study focuses on exploring key HRM strategies in the domains of recruitment and selection, capability development, motivation, performance evaluation, and retention of project-based and independent workers, while explaining how these strategies align with the platform logic and decentralized nature of gig employment. The findings reveal that the gig economy emerges from the complex interplay among digital technologies, labor market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and evolving organizational cultures, requiring a profound reengineering of traditional HRM functions. The main contribution of this study lies in proposing an integrated conceptual model of HRM strategies tailored to the structural and behavioral characteristics of gig workers, providing a foundation for redesigning HRM systems in platform-oriented and digital organizations.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 27 May 2025
  • Revise Date 15 November 2025
  • Accept Date 06 December 2025