Abstract
Abstract
The research aims to explore the forms of digital Taylorism experienced by knowledge workers in the Chinese internet service industry and how the way they work and their attitude have changed in response to the algorithm-based control. This developmental paper presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing qualitative research exploring the forms and impacts of Digital Taylorism experienced by knowledge workers in China's internet service industry. Drawing on qualitative data obtained from ethnographic non-participant field observations and semi-structured interviews, the findings reveal how algorithm-based real-time performance monitoring, the performance-based compensation system, along with the traditional Chinese culture that promotes the spirit of dedication, erode workers' perceived degree of control and internalised sense of responsibility, leading to the alienation of responsible autonomy and exposing them to complex ethical dilemmas.