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A consilience framework: Revealing hidden features of the independent contractor

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2016

Tui McKeown
Tui McKeown*
Affiliation:
Department of Management, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
*
Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a consilience framework developed and tested to reconcile the varying definitions, methodologies and purposes of the data collected on independent contracting within Australia. The result is a multilayered profile of the self-employed contractor which draws together official labour market statistics, taxation office liabilities and marketing-based consumer data sources. The framework sees independent contractors emerge as a dynamic, entrepreneurial and complex group who defy many of the age, gender and industry stereotypes that law and policy makers confine them to. While these initial results are limited to Australia, the challenge independent contractors present to established systems of legal, social and government regulation are embedded within the wider contexts of self-employment and small business. These contexts are universal and the sooner these challenges are answered, the sooner the opportunities they also present can be realised.

Keywords

Australiasmall- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)small businessmixed methodsindependent contractors
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 22 , Special Issue 6: Self-employed professionals, freelancers and contractors , November 2016 , pp. 779 - 796
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2016 

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