MUDSLINGING AND MANNERS: A MULTI-METHOD EXAMINATION OF CONFLICT IN FREE AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This dissertation presents an expanded theory of conflict in ongoing voluntary distributed work groups, such as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) communities. Conflict in dynamic, voluntary and long-term oriented virtual groups is a self-reflexive process that can stimulate community evolution, and in some cases, dissolution. This work introduces normative conflict alongside other conflict types, a form of disagreement concerning group norms, ideology, mission and values. Empirical findings suggest normative conflict to be the strongest overall predictor of developer retention, having both a direct negative effect, as well as through exacerbating other types of work-driven conflict. Theoretically, the work provides support for expanding our existing understanding of conflict in distributed work. Methodologically, the work provides a validated set of measurement tools for an updated conflict framework. Practically, the dissertation examines various team structural factors that may stimulate or reduce conflict occurrence, offering advice for online community management.