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Learning/organizing in Linux: a study of the 'spaces in between'

Published: 17 May 2005 Publication History

Abstract

We assume that open source communities or collectives are somewhat organized. we also assume that such collectives are capable of learning, and indeed do learn. However, it is far more difficult to say exactly where, when and how such learning occurs, or resulting (re-)organizing happens. Drawing on Clegg et al's [1] concept of learning and becoming this paper seeks to show, through a case study of the Linux discussion around version control software, how learning and organizing occur. The paper discusses the Linux community's engagement with BitKeeper and explains aspects of its adoption. In this we address version control software as not merely a collaborative, organizing vehicle but as a part of a generative duality.

References

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S. Clegg. M. Kornberger, and C. Rhodes, "Learning/Becoming/Organizing," Organization, vol. 12, pp. 147--167, 2005.
[2]
G. Bateson, Steps to an ecology of mind. New York: Chandler, 1972.
[3]
C. Argyris and D. A. Schon, Organizational Learning: A Theory of Action Perspective. M A: Addison-Wesley, 1978.
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J. G. March and J. P. Olsen, "The Uncertainty of the Past: Organizational Learning under Ambiguity," European Journal of Political Research, vol. 3, pp. 147--171, 1975.
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K. E. Weick and F. Westley, "Organizational Learning: Affirming an Oxymoron," in Handbook of Organization Studies, S. Clegg, C. Hardy, and W. Nord, Eds. London: Sage, 1996, pp. 440--458.
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J. R. Galbraith, "Organization Design: An Information Processing View," Interfaces, vol. 4, pp. 28--36, 1974.
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S. Star and K. Ruhleder, "Steps toward an Ecology of Infrastructure: Design, Access for Large Information Space," Information System Research, vol. 7, pp. 111--134, 1996.
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M. Shaikh and T. Cornford, "Version Management Tools: CVS to BK in the Linux Kernel," presented at 25th International Conference on Software Engineering - Taking Stock of the Bazaar: The 3rd Workshop on Open Source Software Engineering, Portland, Oregon, 2003.
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M. Shaikh and T. Cornford, "Version Control Software for Knowledge Sharing, Innovation and Learning in OS," presented at Open Source Software Movements and Communities Workshop hosted by the International Conference on Communities and Technologies, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2003.
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L. Torvalds, "linux-2.5.4-prel - bitkeeper testing," University of Indiana, 2002 - Tue 5th Feb.
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L. McVoy, "revision control for the kernel (BitKeeper)," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 1999 - Sun, 21 st Feb.
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V. Henson and J. Garzik, "BitKeeper for Kernel Developers," presented at Ottawa Linux Symposium, Ottawa, Ontario Canada, 2002.
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L. Torvalds, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed KitBeeper clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Fri 7th March.
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L. Torvalds, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed *notrademarkhere* clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Tue 4th March.
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L. Torvalds and C. Schlenter, "Re: CVS, Linus, and us," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 1995, 1996.
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T. Gall, "New BK License Problem?," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2002- Fri 4th Oct.
[17]
J. Garzik, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed KitBeeper clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Sat 1st March.
[18]
P. Machek, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed KitBeeper clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Mon 3rd March.
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J. Bradford, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed KitBeeper clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Sun 2nd March.
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C. Hellwig, "Re: BitBucket: GPL-ed KitBeeper clone," vol. 2004: University of Indiana, 2003 - Sat 1st March.
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  • (2011)Open Source Software AdoptionMulti-Disciplinary Advancement in Open Source Software and Processes10.4018/978-1-60960-513-1.ch001(1-23)Online publication date: 2011
  • (2011)Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing LicensesActor-Network Theory and Technology Innovation10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010(143-161)Online publication date: 2011
  • (2006)A dynamic model of knowledge management for higher education development2006 7th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training10.1109/ITHET.2006.339762(173-180)Online publication date: Jul-2006
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Published In

cover image ACM Other conferences
5-WOSSE: Proceedings of the fifth workshop on Open source software engineering
May 2005
74 pages
ISBN:1595931279
DOI:10.1145/1083258
  • cover image ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes
    ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes  Volume 30, Issue 4
    July 2005
    1514 pages
    ISSN:0163-5948
    DOI:10.1145/1082983
    Issue’s Table of Contents

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Association for Computing Machinery

New York, NY, United States

Publication History

Published: 17 May 2005

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Author Tags

  1. becoming
  2. learning
  3. linux
  4. organizing
  5. version control software

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View all
  • (2011)Open Source Software AdoptionMulti-Disciplinary Advancement in Open Source Software and Processes10.4018/978-1-60960-513-1.ch001(1-23)Online publication date: 2011
  • (2011)Linux Kernel Developers Embracing Authors Embracing LicensesActor-Network Theory and Technology Innovation10.4018/978-1-60960-197-3.ch010(143-161)Online publication date: 2011
  • (2006)A dynamic model of knowledge management for higher education development2006 7th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training10.1109/ITHET.2006.339762(173-180)Online publication date: Jul-2006
  • (2006)On the Weickian Model in the Context of Open Source Software Development: Some Preliminary InsightsOpen Source Systems10.1007/0-387-34226-5_1(3-8)Online publication date: 2006

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