At present, the gig economy with algorithm as the core management method has become an important part of the global labor market. However, the early algorithm design with the sole goal of maximizing efficiency poses a significant threat to the professional dignity, job satisfaction and mental health of gig workers due to its "black box" operation, potential prejudice and exploitation, and pushes its value orientation to pure instrumentality and survivalism. This paper focuses on the emerging paradigm of "ethical algorithms" and explores how it profoundly affects and guides the value orientation of gig workers. Based on the self-determination theory, this paper deeply analyzes the three core mechanisms of ethical algorithms affecting the value orientation of gig workers : First, the transparency and interpretability of the algorithm drive the value orientation from survival anxiety to professional excellence by satisfying the "competency" needs of workers ; secondly, the fairness and impartiality of the algorithm repairs the trust of the platform and cultivates the sense of professional belonging and community identity by meeting the "relationship"  needs of workers. Third, the accountability of the algorithm and the autonomy granted by the algorithm make it change from a passive "digital Taylorism" executor to a professional with initiative by satisfying the "sense of autonomy" needs of workers. Therefore, ethical algorithm is not only an ethical revision of platform technology, but also a key driving force to guide the gig economy to a more equitable, sustainable and humanized future. It can promote the value orientation of gig workers from a single pursuit of economic benefits to a diversified direction that pays more attention to career growth, identity and social value. The research value of this paper lies in that, against the backdrop of increasingly stringent global regulation on algorithm governance, it provides a theoretical perspective for understanding how ethical choices in algorithm design shape workers' subjective value world, and also offers practical and feasible references for platform enterprises to balance social responsibilities while pursuing commercial goals and achieve sustainable development.

Mengjie Gao, Xi Lai, Jinxiong Peng. Study on the Impact of Ethical Algorithms on the Value Orientation of Gig Workers. Academic Journal of Business & Management (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 5: 105-111. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJBM.2026.080514.

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