Introduction
This paper analyzes the reputable news article by Phung et al. about the tech company Uber. Interviews are one of the most effective and efficient methods for conducting future research. The forthcoming study will be based on the background, sample, method, and citation regarding the company. The knowledge and insights gained from these aspects will provide clear conclusions, answering the question of how tech can be made a more equitable, fair, and sustainable workplace for all employees. These answers will form the basis for the further plan of action for collecting more accurate data.
Background
Uber is an international public company that operates a mobile app of the same name for calling taxis and delivering packages and food. Uber is best known for introducing innovative, unconventional work schemes and for promptly delivering passengers to their destinations at any time (Chen et al., 2019). According to Phung et al. (2022), flouting laws, lobbying governments, using “dark tricks,” and ethically questionable approaches are the issues the organization might have with equity, justice, and sustainability in the workplace. Corporate culture and internal social policies mostly appeal to discriminatory and segregationist practices.
Uber both complements and competes with public transportation, distributes services extremely unevenly across cities, and serves low-income minorities particularly poorly (Jin et al., 2019). In addition, Phung et al. (2022) report on the global expansion that has negatively affected cab drivers’ earnings, the manipulation of Uber’s image, and deliberately false promises as problems that need to be eradicated. In general, an analysis of the news article and other sources revealed repeated instances of inappropriate and unethical treatment of employees, undermining the most important and meaningful aspects of any workplace.
Sample
Current and former company employees are the primary sample for the study. Thus, this choice was made for a reason, based on a critical analysis of the essence, nature, and content of the future work. Talking to these people will give me a deeper and more detailed understanding of the company’s inner workings, allowing me to learn essential details firsthand. In this case, I will learn about some instances of inappropriate employee treatment and ways to encourage their work.
Firstly, I will recruit current employees by offering cab rides and asking drivers questions during these rides in a polite and friendly manner. Indeed, one must remember that not everyone can answer all questions willingly. Hence, I will inform and reassure them that the research is being conducted in accordance with the policy on confidentiality and non-disclosure of personal data. The information obtained will be used exclusively for private purposes to facilitate documentation and research.
Secondly, I will be able to interview former Uber employees through specialized review sites. I will contact some reviewers through their profiles on the sites and in the comments, asking in advance if I can ask a couple of questions about the company. I will carefully study their reviews and insert a few remarks in the future research paper. Moreover, I have some acquaintances who used to work as cab drivers and were previously employed by Uber. I will interview them about their previous jobs and attempt to make a comparative characterization.
Method
Interviewing is the method I prefer for conducting the research. When interviewing, a person does not have much time to think, so their answers are usually sincere and truthful. During an interview, it is possible not only to see a person’s specific view on a phenomenon but also to assess their education and cultural level, estimate their worldview, and reveal their competence in particular areas. The method is fast enough to use: it takes only 10-15 minutes, during which I can get answers to all the questions I am interested in. During an interview, an interlocutor is not afraid of being evaluated or judged, so there is no need to lie or hide facts.
Nevertheless, some people may become confused during an interview and fail to answer as they would like. Information perceived by ear is not always available. As a result, researchers are not always able to hear and understand correctly what a person says. As a researcher, I must compose the questions myself, so the method may not be sufficiently objective or valid.
The interview questions are:
- What prompted your decision to accept the position/leave Uber?
- What is/was your relationship with your manager?
- What were your impressions of the organization of the adaptation process when you first joined Uber?
- Would you recommend Uber to your friends looking for work or not? Why not?
- Did the job meet your expectations? If not, why not?
- What is/was the best and worst thing about the work?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- If Uber can improve, how can it?
These are the only sample questions that will be asked during interviews. In reality, this list may expand to 20 or more questions.
Conclusion
In summary, Uber is a world-renowned tech company that has faced ethical and legal issues in its workplace. Research and interviews with current and former Uber employees should be conducted to develop effective strategies for addressing existing problems. As a method, an interview has both positive and negative aspects, yet it can simultaneously reveal the essence and specifics of the topic. The findings will help answer the question, draw specific conclusions, and make clear decisions to create a fair and unbiased atmosphere within the team and work environment.
References
Chen, M. K., Rossi, P. E., Chevalier, J. A., & Oehlsen, E. (2019). The value of flexible work: Evidence from Uber drivers. Journal of Political Economy, 127(6), 2735-2794.
Jin, S. T., Kong, H., & Sui, D. Z. (2019). Uber, public transit, and urban transportation equity: A case study in New York City. The Professional Geographer, 71(2), 315-330.
Phung, K., Hakak, L.T., Toubiana, M., Buchanan, S., & Ruebottom, T. (2022). The manipulation of Uber’s public image profoundly impacted the lives of taxi drivers. The Conversation.