A Dynamic Feedback Framework for Studying Growth Policies in Open Online Collaboration Communities

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study which developed a theoretical framework for studying the growth policies in a special kind of virtual communities: open online collaboration communities. The study made use of dynamic feedback modeling and simulation, and a series of interviews with the members of an open online collaboration community that specializes on instructional material development and dissemination. The paper provides recommendations for practice in online communities that specialize in open online collaboration.