Ride-hailing drivers’ Demographic Characteristics and their Job Satisfaction: Implications for Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

The operations of ride-hailing taxis around the world brought positive transformation to the transport sector. This is especially so for commuters in cities, and for employed and unemployed adults. However, to ensure sustainable development, and poverty alleviation of ride-hailing drivers, it is pertinent to examine how satisfied these drivers are with their jobs. Therefore, this study investigated gender, age, marital status, educational qualifications, job experience and job satisfaction of ride-hailing drivers in Lagos metropolis to understand the demographic factors associated with the drivers who were more satisfied. A cross section of drivers from different ride-hailing organizations participated in the study. A total of 136 drivers responded to a combination of physical administration and Google online survey, with 134 valid responses fit for consideration. Out of these, 106 were male (79.1%) and 28 were female (20.9%) drivers. Minimum job experience ranged from less than 12 months (31, 23.1%), to 3 years (74, 55.2%), 4 to 5 years (27, 20.1%), to 6 years and more (2, 1.5%). Job satisfaction was measured with a 15-item job satisfaction scale (alpha, .82) adapted for this study. The results suggested a significant influence of age (F(2.131) = 3.877, p<.05,  marital status (f(2,131) = 4.17, p<.05), and educational qualification (f(2,131) = 1.30, p<.05) on job satisfaction. Gender and driving experience were not significant factors in the job satisfaction of ride-hailing drivers in this study. Demographic characteristics that promote job satisfaction of ride-hailing drivers should be enhanced, while others that do not should be extensively examined to understand their nature for further improvement towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation.