Do I Belong? Modeling Sense of Virtual Community Among Linux Kernel Contributors

TL;DR

Sense of Virtual Community ($SVC$) is linked to OSS contributor motivation; this study develops a theory-grounded model and tests it on 225 Linux Kernel contributors using PLS-SEM, with moderation by power distance and compensation and a cluster-analytic check for heterogeneity. Findings show that hedonic and social intrinsic motivations positively relate to $SVC$, while being paid and higher power distance can dampen it; English confidence and tenure bolster belonging, and gender minorities report lower $SVC$. The work provides actionable guidance for OSS communities to foster $SVC$ and improve retention and project sustainability, while highlighting subgroups that may require tailored interventions. Limitations include cultural proxy measures and the Linux Kernel-specific context, suggesting replication and extensions to other OSS projects and longitudinal designs.

Abstract

The sense of belonging to a community is a basic human need that impacts an individuals behavior, long-term engagement, and job satisfaction, as revealed by research in disciplines such as psychology, healthcare, and education. Despite much research on how to retain developers in Open Source Software projects and other virtual, peer-production communities, there is a paucity of research investigating what might contribute to a sense of belonging in these communities. To that end, we develop a theoretical model that seeks to understand the link between OSS developer motives and a Sense of Virtual Community. We test the model with a dataset collected in the Linux Kernel developer community, using structural equation modeling techniques. Our results for this case study show that intrinsic motivations - social or hedonic motives - are positively associated with a sense of virtual community, but living in an authoritative country and being paid to contribute can reduce the sense of virtual community. Based on these results, we offer suggestions for open source projects to foster a sense of virtual community, with a view to retaining contributors and improving projects sustainability.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Research Design and Phases for Results' Analysis
• Figure 2: Item loadings and path coefficients (p $<$ 0.05 indicated by a full line). Non-significant links are indicated with a dashed line
• Figure 3: Power distance as a moderator of Social motives $\rightarrow{}$ SVC