Social Network Structures in Open Source Software Development Teams

Drawing on social network theories and previous studies, this research examines the dynamics of social network structures in open source software (OSS) teams. Three projects were selected from SourceForge.net in terms of their similarities as well as their differences. Monthly data were extracted from the bug tracking systems in order to achieve a longitudinal view of the interaction pattern of each project. Social network analysis was used to generate the indices of social structure. The finding suggests that the interaction pattern of OSS projects evolves from a single hub at the beginning to a core/periphery model as the projects move forward. INtrODUctION The information system development arena has seen many revolutions and evolutions. We have witnessed the movement from structured development to object-oriented (OO) development. Modeling methods, such as data flow diagram and entity relationship diagram, are facing new OO modeling languages, such as the unified modeling language (UML) (see Siau & Cao, 2001; Siau, Erickson, & Lee, 2005; Siau & Loo, 2006) and OO methodologies, such as unified process (UP). The latest development includes agile modeling (see Erickson, Lyytinen, & Siau, 2005), extreme programming, and OSS development. While many of these changes are related to systems development paradigms, methodologies, methods, and techniques, the phenomenon of OSS development entails a different structure for software development teams. Chapter 2.17 Social Network Structures in Open Source Software Development Teams Yuan Long Colorado State University-Pueblo, USA Keng Siau University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA Copyright © 2009, IGI Global, distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. 646 Social Network Structures in Open Source Software Development Teams Unlike conventional software projects, the participants of OSS projects are volunteers. They are self-selected based on their interests and capability to contribute to the projects (Raymond, 2000). In addition, the developers of OSS projects are distributed all around the world. They communicate and collaborate with each other through the Internet, using e-mails or discussion boards. Therefore, effective and efficient communication and collaboration are critical to OSS success. However, little empirical research has been conducted to study the underlying interaction pattern of OSS teams, especially the dynamics of the social network structures in OSS development teams. To fill this gap, this study examines the evolvement of social structure in OSS teams. The study contributes to the enhancement of the understanding of OSS development, and provides foundation for future studies to analyze the antecedents and consequences of social networks in the OSS context. The remainder of the paper is structured as follows. First, prior studies on social network structures in OSS teams are reviewed. Second, theories related to social structure and social network theory are discussed. Third, the research methodology is presented, and the research results are reported. Next, discussions of the results, the limitations, and the implications are provided. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.