Published on November 2025 | Organizational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, New Leadership Model

Navigating New Leadership Paradigms - The Role of AVEP RR Model in the Indian Gig Economy

The rapid growth of the Indian gig economy, spanning ridesharing, delivery, freelance projects, and digital platforms, has dramatically reconfigured India’s employment landscape. Gig work offers unprecedented flexibility and reach while presenting new and often unique leadership challenges. This paper critically analyzes the application and impact of the AVEP RR (Authenticity, Values, Empathy, Purpose, Resilience, and Responsiveness) leadership model within the Indian gig economy. Based on a multidisciplinary review and contemporary field data, the paper assesses how leaders, both platform managers and digital entrepreneurs, can leverage AVEP RR dimensions to cultivate trust, engagement, and performance among gig workers. Findings reveal that AVEP RR-aligned leadership is essential for ensuring sustained platform growth, worker satisfaction, and right talent management. Policy implications and leadership strategies are suggested to guide businesses and policymakers shaping India’s next-generation workforce.