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The mythology of ‘Big Data’ as a source of corporate power

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  • Michael David Maffie

Abstract

In this article, the author explores how companies leverage the mythology of their ‘Big Data’ as a source of power. Drawing on two case studies from the ‘gig’ economy, the author finds that the mythology of Big Data allows companies to claim a monopoly over truth about their industries, marginalizing external researchers. In doing so, companies position themselves as the only legitimate source of knowledge about labour conditions on their services, granting them influence over their regulatory environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael David Maffie, 2023. "The mythology of ‘Big Data’ as a source of corporate power," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(3), pages 674-696, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:61:y:2023:i:3:p:674-696
    DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12728
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mirowski, Philip, 2011. "Science-Mart: Privatizing American Science," Economics Books, Harvard University Press, number 9780674046467, Spring.
    2. Janine Berg & Hannah Johnston, 2019. "Too Good to Be True? A Comment on Hall and Krueger’s Analysis of the Labor Market for Uber’s Driver-Partners," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 72(1), pages 39-68, January.
    3. Barbara Trish, 2018. "Big Data under Obama and Trump: The Data-Fueled U.S. Presidency," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(4), pages 29-39.
    4. Jonathan V. Hall & Alan B. Krueger, 2018. "An Analysis of the Labor Market for Uber’s Driver-Partners in the United States," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 71(3), pages 705-732, May.
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