| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the challenges faced by freelancers in Pakistan and
Indonesia within the context of the global gig economy. Despite the increasing
participation in online freelancing platforms, freelancers in these countries
encounter significant obstacles related to infrastructure, payment systems, and
policy gaps that hinder their income stability and long-term engagement in the
digital economy. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research employs structured
surveys to collect data from freelancers in both nations, with a focus on the roles
defined by the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) to
categorize the freelance workforce. The study is grounded in the Unified Theory of
Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), extended to include constructs such
as payment security, policy support, and communication skills, in order to analyse
the behavioural intentions of freelancers in using global freelancing platforms. This
paper introduces the Freelancer Resilience and Integration Model (FRIM), which
explores how challenges such as unreliable internet access, payment delays, high
transaction costs, and lack of legal protections influence freelancers' strategies and
resilience within the gig economy. The research findings reveal statistically
significant correlations between infrastructure reliability, ease of payments, and
income stability among freelancers. Based on these findings, evidence-based policy
recommendations are provided to improve infrastructure, streamline payment
systems, and establish legal frameworks that offer greater protection and security
for freelancers. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing these gaps to enhance the sustainability and resilience of freelancing in both Pakistan and
Indonesia. | en_US |
