In lay terms, open source software gives the public free access to source code for redistribution, modification and creation of derivative works as long as any changes are made available to others to use. The speed at which this allows evolution to occur is astonishing compared to the slow pace of conventional software development in closed proprietary systems.

What is most thought provoking, however, is that open-source offerings have grown (and continue to do so) primarily through a pool of passionate volunteers who freely contribute their time to improving the source code. In the 21st century knowledge economy (where speed to market and the ability to harness the full creativity, commitment and intellectual capacity of one’s workforce has been identified as a key driver of business success and sustainability) understanding what has inspired so many to contribute so much without financial compensation bears examination.

Three Keys to the Success of Open Source

1) Leaving a Legacy of Excellence and Social Responsibility

More than anything else, the open-source community is focused on making great products. It is difficult to get people excited about mediocrity. While many businesses today are built on the strategy that releasing products that have “bugs,” or will eventually wear out ensures an ongoing market for their “consumable” products, it goes against the natural desire of the human spirit to strive for excellence and leave a legacy. As both customers and employees become increasingly aware of how the “planned obsolescence” business strategy is filling landfills and polluting the environment, people are increasingly motivated and inspired by a sense of noble purpose. They are far less motivated to contribute to a company that places its own interests ahead of the common good. On a more basic level, many simply recognize logically that it is a waste of their time, energy, and the earth’s resources.

2) The Opportunity to Express Passions and Develop Talents

Another key reason the open source initiative has been able to garner an ever-increasing pool of people to contribute their time and intellectual resources is because it aligns with their passion for programming.

Open source provides programmers an opportunity to use, challenge and develop their talents. Research on employee engagement and high-performance workplaces also supports the idea that people who are able to use their preferred talents are more productive, more loyal, and contribute more to bottom-line results.

To tap into the creativity and commitment similar to that which is freely invested in open source, leaders must learn to identify the talents and passions of their people and adapt roles to allow them to focus almost exclusively on what they love most and do best.

3) Shared Leadership

A final key element of the success of open-source initiatives is shared leadership. The very nature of open source is that it evolves based on reviews and revisions by a team of one’s peers. This shared leadership by a group of peers is made possible by the fact that there is a strong set of common precedents or operating principles for what works and what doesn’t. These values and standards are universally understood and accepted because they are created by, and evolve with, the community that uses them to guide decisions and contributions. Rather than being enforced by leaders, the simplicity, logic and universal acceptance of these standards allows them to be strictly enforced, when necessary, by a community of peers.

-Andrea Jacques (aka. kyoseigirl)

Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.