Factors Affecting Location-Based Career Planning of Freelance Employees: An Asymmetric Analysis by OECD Member Countries

Abstract

The growing interest in freelancing after the 1980s has led to the need to deepen the academic scope. Although there are various studies on freelancing, location-based studies have remained at a basic level. The study aims to identify the factors affecting the location-based career planning of freelancers in the context of OECD countries. In this context, the methodology of the research is a theoretical comparative qualitative analysis based on asymmetric analysis (Fuzzy Set QCA). The adequacy/requirements, configurations and country-specific clusters of effective conditions suitable for self-employment are revealed. According to the research findings, while all variables are found to be sufficient for the freelancing score in a singular sense, the absence of demand for freelancers reveals the absence of demand for the freelancing score as an absolute requirement. Based on the configuration results, specific results are found that could potentially suggest a model for freelancing status (FS) and non-freelancing status (~FS) of countries. Ultimately, the findings are instrumental in identifying the most favorable conditions and countries for freelancers. In this way, the research enables employees to plan their careers by taking into account the conditions that they deem important for them individually.