Leiden University Scholarly Publications

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Mannan, M. (2022)

The emergence of democratic firms in the platform economy: drivers, obstacles, and the path ahead

Doctoral Thesis
There has been growing concern about the depredations of platform capitalism, ranging from the erosion of workplace protections to questionable corporate and data governance practices. This PhD research project investigates the emergence of ‘democratic’ firms, which confer important control and financial rights to the stakeholders that contribute intellectual, social, and use value to a platform. Interdisciplinary research methods were used for this project, combining doctrinal research with the use of a Delphi-study and case studies.
This dissertation makes a three-fold contribution to the literature. First, it explores the extent to which democratic firms can ameliorate the socio-economic concerns raised by capital-managed online labour and social media platforms. Second, it unpacks the (socio-)legal obstacles that exist to their formation and governance. Third, it charts pathways towards making such democratic firms more viable. The dissertation found that while factors...Show moreThere has been growing concern about the depredations of platform capitalism, ranging from the erosion of workplace protections to questionable corporate and data governance practices. This PhD research project investigates the emergence of ‘democratic’ firms, which confer important control and financial rights to the stakeholders that contribute intellectual, social, and use value to a platform. Interdisciplinary research methods were used for this project, combining doctrinal research with the use of a Delphi-study and case studies.
This dissertation makes a three-fold contribution to the literature. First, it explores the extent to which democratic firms can ameliorate the socio-economic concerns raised by capital-managed online labour and social media platforms. Second, it unpacks the (socio-)legal obstacles that exist to their formation and governance. Third, it charts pathways towards making such democratic firms more viable. The dissertation found that while factors such as the shifting of risk onto workers and concern about corporate accountability drove interest in democratic firms, start-up costs (e.g., obtaining adequate financing) and governance costs (e.g., member apathy) have been barriers to formation. Potential solutions are tentatively offered to overcome these barriers, from the use of degradable reputation tools to the joint development of a platform’s intellectual property.
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Democratic Firms
Employee Ownership
Platform Cooperatives
Platform Capitalism
Platform Work
Social Media Governance
Purpose Trusts
Stichting Administratiekantoor
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations
Blockchain Governance
All authors
Mannan, M.
Supervisor
Wuisman, I.S.; Adriaanse, J.A.A.
Committee
Castermans, A.G.; Mak, V.; Zaman, D.F.M.M.; de Filippi, P.; Sangen, G.J.H. van der
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Institute of Private Law, Faculty of Law, Leiden University
Date
2022-02-15
Title of host publication
Meijers-reeks

Publication Series

Name
MI-388

Funding

Sponsorship
Meijers Research Institute and Graduate School, Leiden Law School and Company Law Department, Leiden Law School