Institutional and Entrepreneurial Engagement in Commons-Based Peer Production

Authors

  • Rong Wang Annnenberg School of Communication & Journalism, University of Southern California 3502 Watt Way, G6, Los Angeles, CA, 90042
  • Giorgos Cheliotis Department of Communication & New Media Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS6, #03-41 11 Computing Drive Singapore 117416

Keywords:

commons-based peer production, online communities, network analysis, online collaboration

Abstract

This study examines how various ways of organizing online collaboration affect the structure of the engagement network in commons-based peer production. The main interest is in testing whether loosely structured collaborative practice, without defined roles and leaders, leads to less centralized engagement. We use network analysis to uncover and compare three endogenous network attributes in two online music production communities, where participants produce public goods mainly through two strategies: ad-hoc collaboration and team-based collaboration. The analysis reveals that the introduction of formal structure in collaboration does not necessarily lead to greater centralization. In fact, more loosely structured collaboration can result in higher centralization, whereby a small number of participants emerge as focal points for the productive output of the community.

Author Biographies

Rong Wang, Annnenberg School of Communication & Journalism, University of Southern California 3502 Watt Way, G6, Los Angeles, CA, 90042

Rong Wang is a PhD candidate in Annnenberg School of Communication & Journalism, University of Southern California. She can be reached at rongw@usc.edu. 213-440-3307

Giorgos Cheliotis, Department of Communication & New Media Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS6, #03-41 11 Computing Drive Singapore 117416

Dr. Giorgos Cheliotis is an visiting assistant professor at the department of Communication & New Media, National University of Singapore.

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Published

2016-08-29

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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