Theoretical Foundation

Abstract

The research scope of this thesis is volunteers’ joining decisions in open collaborative innovation communities. These joining decisions of individuals characterize individual behavior and interaction mechanisms with the community. In order to reflect on joining decisions, I propose several perspectives from different theories. I view behavior from an individual point of view and a network-exchange point of view. In addition, I view behavior from a discipline point of view, reviewing models describing the innovation activity. I finally integrate the perspectives, compare the central tenets of the different theories, and prepare the ground for a coherent view of joining decisions based on a general paradigm and a specific theory level for open initiatives.