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Monetary donations to an open source software platform

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  • Krishnamurthy, Sandeep
  • Tripathi, Arvind K.

Abstract

Online open source software platforms, such as Sourceforge.net, play a vital role in creating an ecosystem that enables the creation and growth of open source projects. However, there is little research exploring the interactions between open source stakeholders and the platform. We believe that the sustainability of the platform crucially depends on financial incentives. While platforms can obtain these incentives through multiple means, in this paper we focus on one form of financial incentives--voluntary monetary donations by open source community members. We report findings from two empirical studies that examine factors that impact donations. Study 1 investigates the factors that cause some community members to donate and not others. We find that the decision to donate is impacted by relational commitment with open source software platform, donation to projects and accepting donations from others. Study 2 examines what drives the level of donation. We find that the length of association with the platform and relational commitment affects donation levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Krishnamurthy, Sandeep & Tripathi, Arvind K., 2009. "Monetary donations to an open source software platform," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(2), pages 404-414, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:38:y:2009:i:2:p:404-414
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    5. Casaló, Luis V. & Flavián, Carlos & Guinalíu, Miguel, 2010. "Relationship quality, community promotion and brand loyalty in virtual communities: Evidence from free software communities," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 357-367.
    6. James Boyer, 2020. "Toward an Evolutionary and Sustainability Perspective of the Innovation Ecosystem: Revisiting the Panarchy Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-17, April.
    7. Krishnamurthy, Sandeep & Ou, Shaosong & Tripathi, Arvind K., 2014. "Acceptance of monetary rewards in open source software development," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 632-644.
    8. Maha Shaikh & Emmanuelle Vaast, 2016. "Folding and Unfolding: Balancing Openness and Transparency in Open Source Communities," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 27(4), pages 813-833, December.
    9. Yi Li & Liangru Yu, 2020. "Factors Influencing Social Media Users’ Continued Intent to Donate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, January.
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