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Why do commercial companies contribute to open source software?

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  • Andersen-Gott, Morten
  • Ghinea, Gheorghita
  • Bygstad, Bendik

Abstract

Many researchers have pointed out that the open source movement is an interesting phenomenon that is difficult to explain with conventional economic theories. However, while there is no shortage on research on individuals’ motivation for contributing to open source, few have investigated the commercial companies’ motivations for doing the same. A case study was conducted at three different companies from the IT service industry, to investigate three possible drivers: sale of complimentary services, innovation and opensourcing (outsourcing). We offer three conclusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Andersen-Gott, Morten & Ghinea, Gheorghita & Bygstad, Bendik, 2012. "Why do commercial companies contribute to open source software?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 106-117.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:32:y:2012:i:2:p:106-117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2011.10.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Xiaogang & Li, Xue & Clark, Jan Guynes & Dietrich, Glenn B., 2013. "Knowledge sharing in open source software project teams: A transactive memory system perspective," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 553-563.
    2. Rashid, Mehvish & Clarke, Paul M. & O’Connor, Rory V., 2019. "A systematic examination of knowledge loss in open source software projects," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 104-123.
    3. Lee, Saerom & Baek, Hyunmi & Jahng, Jungjoo, 2017. "Governance strategies for open collaboration: Focusing on resource allocation in open source software development organizations," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 431-437.

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