The Double-edged Sword Effect of Perceived Algorithmic Control on Compliance Behavior of Platform Workers: A Cost Perspective

Abstract

Abstract: The impact of algorithmic control on platform workers' behavior has attracted increasing attention from both industry and academia. However, in management practice, platforms often face the dilemma of the algorithmic control paradox. Drawing on rational choice theory, this study examines the double-edged sword effect of perceived algorithmic control on platform workers' compliance behavior from a cost perspective. Using three-wave time-lagged survey data from 465 platform workers, the analysis reveals that perceived algorithmic control, on the one hand, promotes compliance behavior by increasing the cost of violations (perceived behavioral monitoring and punishment expectancy); on the other hand, it inhibits compliance behavior by increasing the cost of compliance (work impediment and loss of control). Moreover, work impediment and loss of control respectively exert negative moderating effects on the relationships between perceived behavioral monitoring and compliance behavior, and between punishment expectancy and compliance behavior. This study enriches the theoretical understanding of the algorithmic control paradox and offers managerial implications for enhancing the positive effects of algorithmic control while mitigating its negative impacts.

Key words: perceived algorithmic control, compliance behavior, compliance cost, non-compliance cost

Deng Ting, Tang Chunyong, Lai Yanzhao. The Double-edged Sword Effect of Perceived Algorithmic Control on Compliance Behavior of Platform Workers: A Cost Perspective[J]. Management Review, 2026, 38(5): 199-210.

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