An Uber ethical dilemma: examining the social issues at stake
| Published date | 13 August 2018 |
| Date | 13 August 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-03-2018-0024 |
| Pages | 261-274 |
| Author | Florence M. Chee |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information management & governance,Information & communications technology |
An Uber ethical dilemma:
examining the social issues at stake
Florence M. Chee
School of Communication, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to engage with the social issues emerging from the increasing reliance upon
app-driven services, as theypertain to precarious labor and ethical standpoints in a digital era. Popularride
services suchas Uber have been lauded for bringing much needed transportationservices that are superior to
expensivetaxis or unpleasant or inaccessible public transit.
Design/methodology/approach –As a result of over three yearsof ongoing research and analysis, this
paper is a comprehensive assessment of a number of social issues facing the integration of practices both
signified and enacted in an economy driven by apps such as Uber. While these companies are indeed
profitable,questions remain as to just how much of a panacea these practicesactually herald.
Findings –Findings indicate that privatization and a lack of labor regulation may present a significant
savings to the user, but full cost economics suggest that the social and environmental costs require
consideration.
Research limitations/implications –The recommendations here refer to the ethical considerations
forwarded in this paper and serve to open up dialog to further discuss the persistent issues facing a precarious future.
Practical implications –In terms of practical implications, there is a point of tension between
governmental/regulatorybodies, disruptive innovatorsand users.
Social implications –Stakeholders of all stripes are scrambling to keep up with the pace and
problematicsof digital innovations and an inclusive critical dialog on app-drivenservices has yet to become a
priority.
Originality/value –The original value of this analytical framework from a social justice perspective
stands to catalyzeaction on a number of pervasive social issues surrounding digitalethics and policy.
Keywords Ethics, Policy, Digital, Uber
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
This paper engages with the social issues emergingfrom the increasing reliance upon app-
driven services as they pertain to precarious labor and ethical standpoints in a digital era.
Popular ride services such as Uber have been lauded for bringing much needed
transportation services that are superior to expensive taxis or unpleasant or inaccessible
public transit:
In five years, the app economy will be worth $6.3 trillion, up from $1.3 trillion last year, according
to a report released today by app measurement company App Annie.
[...]
Mobile commerce’s huge footprint includes purchases through retail behemoths like Amazon and
Alibaba, as well as paying for services such as Uber rides or travel booked through a travel app –
basically any monetary transaction through an app that holds your credit information. The
assumption also relies on the continued transition from in-person purchases to ones done through
apps (Molla, 2017).
Examining the
social issues at
stake
261
Received19 March 2018
Revised26 May 2018
Accepted3 June 2018
Journalof Information,
Communicationand Ethics in
Society
Vol.16 No. 3, 2018
pp. 261-274
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/JICES-03-2018-0024
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