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Motivation by Status vs Reputation for Voluntary Contributions in Online Knowledge Exchange Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Zaggl, Michael A.
  • Steininger, Dennis M.
  • Isaak, Andrew J.

Abstract

Performance feedback mechanisms play a pivotal role in motivating users’ voluntary contributions, which are crucial to sustaining online knowledge communities. We use motivation theory and conceptually distinguish reputation and status. Specifically, we hypothesize that reputation motivates contributions when users are of low status, but that achieved status will have a demotivating effect. We test our hypotheses by examining status and reputation mechanisms in a large knowledge exchange community (Stack Overflow). Consistent with our hypotheses, we find robust evidence that reputation-related performance feedback mechanisms are positively related to contribution behavior, whereas status-related mechanisms deplete motivation. Therefore, higher status crowds out the motivational effect of reputation-seeking. This study extends the literature on motivation in knowledge exchange communities by highlighting the difference between status and reputation as two opposing forces. Thereby, we also offer an explanation for the often-observed pattern of declining user contributions in online knowledge exchange communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Zaggl, Michael A. & Steininger, Dennis M. & Isaak, Andrew J., 2025. "Motivation by Status vs Reputation for Voluntary Contributions in Online Knowledge Exchange Communities," EconStor Conference Papers 338887, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:esconf:338887
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/338887/1/ECIS2025-Status-Reputation-Stack-Exchange.pdf
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    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • M50 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - General

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