Roles and politeness behavior in community-based free/libre open source software development

TitleRoles and politeness behavior in community-based free/libre open source software development
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsWei, K, Crowston, K, Eseryel, UY, Heckman, R
Refereed DesignationRefereed
Secondary TitleInformation & Management
Date Published11/2016
ISSN Number03787206
KeywordsCore–periphery structure, open source software development, Politeness behavior
Abstract

Community-based Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development relies on contributions from both core and peripheral members. Prior research on core–periphery has focused on software coding-related behaviors. We study how core–periphery roles are related to social-relational behavior in terms of politeness behavior. Data from two FLOSS projects suggest that both core and peripheral members use more positive politeness strategies than negative strategies. Further, core and peripheral members use different strategies to protect positive face in positive politeness, which we term respect and intimacy, respectively. Our results contribute to FLOSS research and politeness theory.

URLhttps://crowston.syr.edu/sites/crowston.syr.edu/files/Group_maintenance%20paper%20to%20share.pdf
DOI10.1016/j.im.2016.11.006
Short TitleInformation & Management
Full Text