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The Determinants of Output Per Contributor in Open Source Projects: An Empirical Examination

Author

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  • Fershtman, Chaim
  • Gandal, Neil

Abstract

Using a unique dataset we examine empirically which factors explain output per contributor in open source projects. We find that the output per contributor of open source programmes is much higher when licenses are less restrictive. Further examination suggests that the difference in output per contributor is in large part due to many more contributors for projects that employ restrictive licenses. The results suggest a status/signaling or ideological motivation for participation in open source projects with restrictive licenses.

Suggested Citation

  • Fershtman, Chaim & Gandal, Neil, 2004. "The Determinants of Output Per Contributor in Open Source Projects: An Empirical Examination," CEPR Discussion Papers 4329, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:4329
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Alexia Gaudeul, 2008. "Consumer Welfare and Market Structure in a Model of Competition Between Open Source and Proprietary Software," Working Papers 08-31, Centre for Competition Policy, University of East Anglia.
    2. Fabio M. Manenti & Stefano Comino & Marialaura Parisi, 2005. "From Planning to Mature: on the Determinants of Open Source Take-Off," Industrial Organization 0507006, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 29 Sep 2005.
    3. Giuri, Paola & Ploner, Matteo & Rullani, Francesco & Torrisi, Salvatore, 2010. "Skills, division of labor and performance in collective inventions: Evidence from open source software," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 54-68, January.
    4. Paul A. David & Francesco Rullani, 2008. "Dynamics of innovation in an “open source” collaboration environment: lurking, laboring, and launching FLOSS projects on SourceForge," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 17(4), pages 647-710, August.
    5. Poonacha K. Medappa & Shirish C. Srivastava, 2019. "Does Superposition Influence the Success of FLOSS Projects? An Examination of Open-Source Software Development by Organizations and Individuals," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 30(3), pages 764-786, September.
    6. Comino, Stefano & Manenti, Fabio M. & Parisi, Maria Laura, 2007. "From planning to mature: On the success of open source projects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 1575-1586, December.
    7. Yossi Spiegel, 2005. "The Incentive To Participate In Open Source Projects: A Signaling Approach," Working Papers 05-23, NET Institute.
    8. Mikko Leppämäki & Mikko Mustonen, 2009. "Skill Signalling with Product Market Externality," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 119(539), pages 1130-1142, July.
    9. Katherine J. Stewart & Anthony P. Ammeter & Likoebe M. Maruping, 2006. "Impacts of License Choice and Organizational Sponsorship on User Interest and Development Activity in Open Source Software Projects," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 126-144, June.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Open source; Software; Restrictive licenses; Empirical study;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D20 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - General
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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