Transforming Cambodia’s Gig Economy: The Impact of Platform Quality on Job Autonomy and Worker Satisfaction

This study investigates the gig economy in Cambodia with a specific focus on platform quality, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and economic benefits in shaping employment outcomes. It leveraged the Job Characteristics Model (JCM) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) for their relevance in understanding job autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Data from 299 gig workers collected via survey questionnaires were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Our findings demonstrated that platform quality, economic benefits, and job autonomy positively influenced job satisfaction and employment outcomes. Moreover, job autonomy partially mediates the relationship between platform quality and job satisfaction. This study underscores the academic rigor and theoretical framework that underpin our understanding of gig work in developing economies, with an emphasis on the role of platform design in improving workers’ experiences and satisfaction.