Oklahoma researchers reveal research about the gig economy that can help small businesses to grow.

SHAWNEE, OK, June 28, 2021 – Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) Paul Dickinson College of Business recently released research on the gig economy to help small businesses grow. This research evaluated the importance of the freelance market, utilizing popular websites like Freelancer.com. This research was a collaborative effort between faculty and graduate students.

Dr. Daryl D. Green and Dr. Xan Polk are both established scholars. Dr. Green is an associate professor at OBU, while Dr. Polk serves as associate professor of management and marketing at King Union’s Knoxville campus (TN). The other authors who contributed significantly to the research are Ms. Kelsey Doughty, Ms. Michelle Carr, and Ms. Devan Costa-Cargill; these individuals are OBU MBA graduates. These inquisitive students produced the groundwork for this research as a class assignment in Dr. Green’s class. Additionally, Mrs. Heidi O’Donnell, who is a doctoral student at Liberty University, contributed meaningfully to this case study.

MEET OUR RESEARCH TEAM

Dr. Daryl Green

Dr. Xan Polk

Ms. Michelle Carr

Ms. Kelsey Doughty

Ms. Devan Costa-Cargill

Mrs. Heidi O’Donnell

With the onslaught on Covid in 2020, most businesses relied on digital platforms. Some businesses operating remotely could not locate local talent to meet their needs. Welcome to the New Normal. The gig economy is transforming societies across the globe. Freelancer.com promises experts representing every technical, professional, and creative field on its platform serving over 47 million users that project managers will find freelancers seeking work.

In this scholarly research, OBU faculty and students provide insight into the gig economy, explores a website called Freelancerr.com, and share how others, such as small businesses, can utilize these freelance services.  Most Americans are familiar with Uber and Airbnb in the freelance industry. However, there are lots of more businesses.

According to one study, there are about 1.1 billion freelancers across the globe. In fact, there are lots of more businesses operating on Freelancer.com. Yet, finding the right freelancers is a difficult task because there are too many options on freelance websites. Some websites provide inferior or poor-quality service providers. Therefore, buyers need to beware.

Dr. Green, who coordinated this study, argues the significance of this research for small businesses: “I enjoyed working with my research team. I was honored to work with these brilliant ladies. This work on the gig economy is needed especially during this pandemic. Most small businesses have limited resources. Freelancers can infuse new energy into an organization. This research can be very beneficial to today’s small businesses by leveraging the power of the gig economy to secure great freelance talent to maximize their performance.”

In closing, this case study was significant during Covid-19 because the research will assist future scholars and practitioners with freelance websites like Freelancer.com in the gig economy.

For more information about the research, visit:

https://bit.ly/3cnvvQz

If you want more information about this research or want assistance with your organization, please contact Mr. Kenny Day at kenny.day@okbu.edu.

About Paul Dickinson College of Business

The Paul Dickinson College of Business is a part of the Oklahoma Baptist University. The Christian-based institution aims to meet the needs of individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, providing the skills needed to achieve success in contemporary professional careers as a leader. The business degree programs of the Oklahoma Baptist University are accredited and acknowledged by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.