Hierarchy, Laboratory and Collective: Unveiling Linux as Innovation, Machination and Constitution
Cornford, Tony, Shaikh, Maha, Ciborra, Claudio
Journal of the Association for Information Systems · 2010 · Volume 11 · Issue 12
Abstract
This paper considers the question of how the Linux open source collective structures and organizes itself as complexity and uncertainty increase. The study focuses on Version Control Software adoption in the Linux Kernel collective and the controversies it entails. The analysis draws on theory drawn from Science and Technology Studies and Actor Network Theory to consider the processes by which technology comes to play a role as an active agent within the collective. Through this approach the study helps to reveal how organizing occurs and how restructuring around technical means is negotiated based on constitutional as well as technical and performance criteria. What emerges from the analysis is the strong collective agency to which nonhuman actors contribute, and thus, their place at the core of open source activity.
Keywords
open source, version control software, organizational design, information systems, Science and Technology Studies, Actor Network Theory
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