The Determinants of Output Per Contributor in Open Source Projects: An Empirical Examination

24 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2004

See all articles by Chaim Fershtman

Chaim Fershtman

Tel Aviv University - Eitan Berglas School of Economics; Tinbergen Institute

Neil Gandal

Berglas School of Economics, Tel Aviv University; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 2004

Abstract

Using a unique data set we empirically examine which factors explain output per contributor in open source projects. We find that the output per contributor of open source programs is much higher when licenses are less restrictive. Further examination suggests that the difference in output per contributor is in large part due to many more contributors for projects that employ restrictive licenses. The results suggest a status/signaling or ideological motivation for participation in open source projects with restrictive licenses.

Keywords: Open Source, Software, Restrictive Licenses, Empirical Study

JEL Classification: D20, L86

Suggested Citation

Fershtman, Chaim and Gandal, Neil, The Determinants of Output Per Contributor in Open Source Projects: An Empirical Examination (March 2004). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=515282 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.515282

Chaim Fershtman

Tel Aviv University - Eitan Berglas School of Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 39040
Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978
Israel
+972 3 640 7167 (Phone)
+972 3 640 9908 (Fax)

Tinbergen Institute ( email )

Burg. Oudlaan 50
Rotterdam, 3062 PA
Netherlands

Neil Gandal (Contact Author)

Berglas School of Economics, Tel Aviv University ( email )

Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv 69978
Israel
+972 3 640 9907 (Phone)
+972 3 640 9908 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.neilgandal.com/

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

London
United Kingdom

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