Motivation in FOSS Software Developers
Motivation of Software Developers in Open Source Projects: An Internet-Based Survey of Contributors to the Linux Kernel
URL = http://wy2x05.psychologie.uni-wuerzburg.de/ao/research/linux_study.php
Description
"The goal of our study is to scientifically analyze the processes involved in Linux development from a social science perspective. This includes, but is not limited to, the investigation of the motivation of contributors (e.g. fun, cognitive challenge, using worldwide resources for problem solving, development of new skills, etc.) and success factors of the project (e.g. mutual trust, norms in the cooperation, feedback processes, organization of the projects, decision procedures, etc.)."
Report:
Hertel, G., Niedner, S. & Herrmann, S. (2003). Motivation of software developers in open source projects: An internet-based survey of contributors to the Linux kernel. Research Policy, 32, 1159-1177.
More Information
Graphic at http://blog.ossoil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/motivation-model.png