Factors Affecting the Development of Absorptive Capacity in the Adoption of Open Source Software

TitleFactors Affecting the Development of Absorptive Capacity in the Adoption of Open Source Software
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsVen, K, De Bruyn, P
Secondary TitleInternational Journal of Open Source Software and Processes
Volume3
Issue1
Pagination17 - 38
ISSN Number1942-3934
Keywordsadoption, government
Abstract

Previous research has shown that the knowledge that is available to an organization is an important factor influencing the adoption of open source software (OSS). Hence, it is important that organizations develop their absorptive capacity in order to successfully adopt OSS. Absorptive capacity refers to the ability of an organization to acquire, assimilate, and exploit new knowledge. However, no study has specifically investigated how organizations can develop their absorptive capacity by acquiring knowledge about OSS. This paper addresses this gap in research by investigating the organizational knowledge assimilation process within the context of the adoption of OSS. Based on a case study conducted at the Flemish government, a framework that is grounded in literature and that illustrates which contextual factors influence the development of absorptive capacity in the context of the adoption of OSS was developed.

DOI10.4018/jossp.2011010102
Full Text
Taxonomy upgrade extras: