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A Note on Knowledge Creation in Open-Source Software Projects: What Can We Learn from Luhmann’s Theory of Social Systems?

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Abstract

We use the sociological systems theory proposed by Niklas Luhmann to complement a socially-oriented view of knowledge with the role of technical infrastructure in knowledge creation. We highlight the self-referential character of knowledge creation and draw upon illustrative examples from open-source software. We discuss why knowledge creation processes are often prone to breakdown and propose three conditions that may stabilize knowledge creation processes: perceptibility, systemic memory, and modularity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management and Economics, Institute of Corporate Governance, University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448, Witten, Germany

    Michèle Morner

  2. Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH, Kreuzplatz 5, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland

    Georg von Krogh

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  1. Michèle Morner
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  2. Georg von Krogh
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Correspondence to Michèle Morner.

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Morner, M., von Krogh, G. A Note on Knowledge Creation in Open-Source Software Projects: What Can We Learn from Luhmann’s Theory of Social Systems?. Syst Pract Action Res 22, 431–443 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-009-9139-7

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