This study investigates the impact of perceived algorithmic control on platform workers' service performance. Using data from 286 platform workers and drawing upon the transactional theory of stress and regulatory focus theory, the study finds that perceived algorithmic control indirectly and positively affects service performance through job crafting, but indirectly and negatively affects it through withdrawal behavior. The effect through job crafting is stronger with a high promotion focus and weaker with a high prevention focus; the opposite is true for the effect through withdrawal behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Jian Zhu, Bin Zhang, Hui Wang