The Value of Flexible Work: Evidence from Uber Drivers

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2019
Volume: 127
Issue: 6
Pages: 2735 - 2794

Authors (4)

M. Keith Chen (not in RePEc) Judith A. Chevalier (National Bureau of Economic Re...) Peter E. Rossi (not in RePEc) Emily Oehlsen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.018 = (α=2.02 / 4 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Technology has facilitated new, nontraditional work arrangements, including the ride-sharing company Uber. Uber drivers provide rides anytime they choose. Using data on hourly earnings and driving, we document driver utilization of this real-time flexibility. We propose that the value of flexibility can be measured as deriving from time variation in the drivers' reservation wage. Measuring time variation in drivers' reservation wages allows us to estimate the surplus and labor supply implications of Uber relative to alternative, less-flexible work arrangements. Despite other drawbacks to the Uber arrangement, we estimate that Uber drivers earn more than twice the surplus they would in less-flexible arrangements.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/702171
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25