Crowdsourcing in Big Business: The Efficiency and Ethical Considerations

Crowdsourcing, a practice that leverages the power of the internet to break down complex projects into smaller, manageable microtasks, has become increasingly popular among large corporations. Unlike traditional outsourcing, which often involves higher costs and slower delivery times, crowdsourcing offers a scalable, cost-effective framework for tackling a wide range of tasks. This article explores the benefits and challenges of crowdsourcing, with a focus on its use by big companies and the ethical considerations involved.

Understanding Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing involves breaking down a project into tiny component tasks and distributing these tasks through the internet to a large, often dispersed workforce. This approach is underpinned by the use of various online platforms, which provide a platform for these microtasks to be completed. One of the most well-known platforms is Amazon's Mechanical Turk, which connects businesses with a global workforce willing to complete small tasks for cents each. These tasks can include data tagging, transcription, and form digitization, among others.

Benefits of Crowdsourcing for Big Companies

Big companies that adopt crowdsourcing often find it to be a cost-effective solution for their needs. According to a 2013 report, revenues from business-focused crowdsourcing firms grew by 74% in 2010 and by 53% in the years following. This growth underscores the significant demand for crowdsourced labor. Companies like AOL have turned to crowdsourcing to handle large-scale projects, such as inventory checks for video content, which would traditionally require significant time and cost to complete.

AOL, for instance, used Amazon's Mechanical Turk to determine the presence and location of videos on thousands of web pages. By leveraging the service, they were able to complete the task much more quickly and cost-effectively. The project was completed in a fraction of the time it would have taken to hire temporary staff or develop custom software. Such efficient solutions can represent significant savings for companies.

Quality and Control

While crowdsourcing offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of quality control. Many of the workers on these platforms are individuals who may be completing tasks for short periods and without significant oversight. This can lead to inconsistencies and poor quality work. However, companies like Samasource have established managed workforces of trained workers, providing better quality control and more reliable results.

Samasource, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, specializes in assigning microtasks to workers in developing countries, ensuring they are paid a living wage. By providing training and a structured work environment, Samasource aims to address the ethical concerns often associated with crowdsourcing, such as the potential for exploiting low-wage workers. Their model offers a more sustainable and socially responsible way to engage in crowdsourcing.

Ethical Concerns and Misuse

Despite the advantages, crowdsourcing also has its dark sides. Workers may be unaware of the actual use of their work, leading to ethical dilemmas. One notable concern is the misuse of crowdsourced labor to create spam content, as a 2010 study by NYU professor Panagiotis G. Ipeirotis suggested. While Amazon disputes these findings, the company has taken steps to mitigate these risks by implementing rigorous anti-spam measures.

Additionally, the nature of crowdsourced labor can be unpredictable and unreliable. A survey by CrowdControl found that a significant percentage of active Mechanical Turk workers relied on this form of income for a substantial portion of their annual income. This highlights the potential financial instability for these workers, making the ethical implications of their work even more pressing.

Conclusion

Crowdsourcing has evolved into a crucial tool for big companies to manage their workflows efficiently and cost-effectively. However, it is crucial for companies to consider the ethical implications of their labor practices. By partnering with organizations like Samasource and implementing robust quality control measures, businesses can harness the power of crowdsourcing while ensuring the well-being of their workers.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is important for companies and platforms to prioritize transparency, worker rights, and ethical standards in their crowdsourcing practices. Ultimately, the success of crowdsourcing lies not only in its efficiency but also in its ability to foster a fair and sustainable work environment.