Open Source Software User Communities: A Study of Participation in Linux User Groups

We conceptualize participation in Linux user groups (LUGs) in terms of group-referent intentional actions and investigate cognitive (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, identification with the open source movement), affective (positive and negative anticipated emotions), and social (social iden...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Management science 2006-07, Vol.52 (7), p.1099-1115
Main Authors: Bagozzi, Richard P, Dholakia, Utpal M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
anticipated emotions
Anticipation
Behavior modeling
Behavioural sciences
Business studies
Communities
Community
Computer software
Consciousness
Consumer behavior
Donations
Emotions
Influence
Linux
Management science
model of goal-directed behavior
novice versus experienced users
Open source software
Participation
Public domain
Public software
Services
Social identity
Social influence
Social interaction
Studies
Success
User groups
User training
virtual communities
we-intentions
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Summary:We conceptualize participation in Linux user groups (LUGs) in terms of group-referent intentional actions and investigate cognitive (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, identification with the open source movement), affective (positive and negative anticipated emotions), and social (social identity) determinants of participation and its consequences on Linux-related behaviors of users. This survey-based study, conducted with 402 active LUG members representing 191 different LUGs from 23 countries and employing structural equation modeling methodology, supports the proposed model. Furthermore, we find that the Linux user’s experience level moderates the extent of the LUG’s social influence and its impact on the user’s participation. We conclude with a consideration of the managerial and research implications of the study’s findings.
ISSN:0025-1909
1526-5501
DOI:10.1287/mnsc.1060.0545