5: Profit and Power in the Bitworker World

This chapter considers the rise of the Bitworker from the perspective of the organisation. We investigate where the power dynamics play out, consider a tier structure of Bitworkers and ultimately examine where profit flows to – the Bitworker or the organisation.

The Bitworker is a technology-enabled individual bearing the risks and rewards of self-employability at the expense of job security and the guaranteed availability of short to medium term paid work. Similar to the previously discussed platform businesses, we predict the increase in the usage of such business structures looking to connect the availability of Bitworkers with the skill shortages and potential providers of both work and consequential payment. Matching of this human resource may take place using a blockchain system which is able to connect mutually interested parties without the need for a centralised trusted arbiter.