| Abstract:
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In gig platforms where labor is governed by algorithmic management and external incentives, an important question is whether identity-based intrinsic motivation still shapes worker behavior. Using work-summary data on 89,981 drivers from a major Chinese food-delivery platform in the first half of 2023, this paper examines how the intrinsic motivation associated with Communist Party membership affects labor supply, output, and service quality. The results show that, after addressing the endogeneity of Party membership, Party-member drivers work more days, complete more orders, receive fewer negative evaluations, and earn higher expected monthly income. Mechanism analysis suggests that the increase in total output is driven mainly by stronger labor-force participation along the extensive margin, rather than by greater work intensity conditional on participation. Party membership is also associated with longer platform retention. In addition, Party-member drivers exhibit a stronger sense of responsibility and greater adherence to occupational norms. The effects are more pronounced in settings where organizational ties are weaker or Party identity is relatively scarce. Overall, the findings suggest that in platform labor markets characterized by weak contractual attachment and high turnover, identity-based motivation can complement external incentives and help stabilize labor supply without compromising service quality.
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