Modularity and Organizational Dynamics in Open Source Software (OSS) production

Modularity has been seen as key to the success of OSS projects. However empirical studies on modularity of OSS systems have resulted in confusing results. To account for underlying mechanisms of those confusing results, we systematically examine widely studied OSS projects. Based on our systematic review on technical and organizational structures, we suggest that organizational circumstances of OSS production are at least in a continuum of tightly-coupled and loosely-coupled organizational circumstances of production in which both geographically distributed volunteers and paid developers with organizational ties work together (albeit separately over time). Furthermore, organizational circumstances of OSS production appear to be dynamic, as firms move in and out of OSS production communities over time. In essence we argue that the reason for the confusing empirical results was a persistent assumption that organizational circumstances of OSS production are static or unitary; rather what matters is the organizational circumstances of production in any episode of contribution. This research agenda paper proposes future inquiries to develop a comprehensive picture of ecological shift in different levels of system modularity and organizational circumstances of OSS production over time and through episodes.