Motivational Factors for eLancing: Evidence From Turkey

This study aims to explore the motivational factors for Turkish internet freelancers (eLancers) to engage in internet freelancing (eLancing). eLancing is a new phenomenon which has started in the 21st century. It is a networked online platform used for distributive problem-solving, economic production and service delivery. eLancing includes websites where eLancers are interested in being employed, and employers looking for eLancers to perform some types of work on the web. Forty eight semi-structured interviews conducted online with Turkish eLancers on elance.com. As a result, ten (10) primary motivations for participation have emerged. They are namely: (1) Work-family balance, flexibility and autonomy, (2) Economic incentives, (3) Skills development, (4) Trust and transparency, (5) Geographical location, (6) Unemployment, equality and disability, (7) Higher returns, (8) Reputation, (9) Passion and enjoyment of problem-solving, and (10) Revenge. The current study has added rich qualitative data to the scanty eLancing literature. Implications for policy makers, limitations and future studies are discussed. Keywords: eLancers, eLancing, motivations, Turkey.