Designing a Model of Freelancing Challenges and Opportunities in the Iranian Business Market
Subject Areas : Human Capital Empowerment
ZAKIEH BEIKI
1
,
Sayyed Mohammad Reza Davoodi
2
*
1 - Public Administration, Isfahan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Iran
2 -
Keywords: Freelancer, Freelancer Challenges, Opportunities, Digital Age, Business.,
Abstract :
The present study was conducted with the aim of presenting a model of freelance challenges and opportunities in the digital era of the Iranian labor market with a data-based approach and a qualitative method. Based on the principle of theoretical saturation, 18 knowledgeable experts in the field of study were interviewed using a purposive sampling method dependent on the semi-structured interview criterion. To assess data validity, two methods were used: review by two coders and review by experts not participating in the research, and return to the interviewees. The data were analyzed through several stages of open, axial and selective coding based on the Strauss and Corbin model. The results of the qualitative section were presented in the form of a paradigmatic model including causal conditions (high competition, job instability, work stress, uncertain income), contextual conditions (time and project management, online platforms in the workplace, skills and expertise), intervening conditions (skills and expertise, connection to the desired core of work, development of the online workspace), strategies (personal management, learning and development, marketing and customer acquisition), consequences (financial management and pricing, increased network connections, personal growth). The results of this study showed that causal conditions such as high competition and job instability increase the need for effective strategies in personal management and learning. Also, by improving skills and using online platforms, outcomes such as personal growth and increased network connections are achieved.
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