Evaluating the Adoption of Open Source Software

Abstract

The understanding of the viability, competitiveness, and challenges of using open source software has important implications for the understanding of its adoption. However, one important problem is the paucity of contextual, valid and generalizable frameworks for understanding the adoption of open source software. In contributing to address this important issue, this paper presents a theory-grounded framework for understanding factors and their influence in the adoption of open source software. The framework has been developed based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB), through the augmentation of the research areas of the adoption of open source software and the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in small businesses. We show that the exploratory and explanatory capabilities of the framework provides simple concepts for researchers seeking to develop valid and generalizable research models and analysis instruments, and for practitioners seek common understanding of factors influencing their adoption of open source software. Implications of the framework are discussed within the contexts of direct utilization, as justifications for intervention, and as frame of reference for understanding and communicating issues influencing the adoption of open source software. The paper outlines proposals for future research to extend and validate the analytical capabilities of the framework.