9 - An Organizational Perspective on Free and Open Source Software Development

Abstract

This chapter focuses on software development, and identifies and analyzes properties and processes of importance to the coordination and governance of Free and Open Source (F/OS)-based innovations. The traditional model of innovation, restricted/close source (R/CS) model is based on proprietary knowledge and a private model of production. The open source model is based on non-proprietary knowledge and noneconomic motives. Between the two, there are various combinations or hybrids, referred to as free/open source-based (F/OS-based) agency. The chapter identifies avenues for future research as well as important managerial and policy implications. The chapter analyzes the looser forms of cooperation that exist in F/OS-based agency from an organizational and institutional perspective. To better understand some of the key organizational and managerial characteristics of F/OS-based innovations, it provides some practical examples of F/OS-based projects. It argues that the F/OS-based agency does not fit into contemporary microeconomic conceptualizations of the firm. The chapter also discusses the implications for managers and other policy-makers.