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Article
Cyberconflict at the Edge of Chaos: Cryptohierarchies and Self-organization in the Open Source
Capital and Class (2009)
  • Athina Karatzogianni, Dr, University of Hull
  • George Michaelides, Nottingham Trent University
Abstract

This paper differentiates between different levels of conflict in the open-source movement and discusses the role conflict and self-organization play in the emergence of structures of leadership and the bifurcation into core and peripheral groups and soft control by cryptohierarchies; in the different levels of group polarization and conflict between communities negotiating their identity, strategy, coordination and complexity; and lastly, in the dynamic relationships between hierarchies and networks. These dynamics are forcing open-source communities to exist at the edge of chaos, and to constantly engage in lines of flight and resistance from the system of global control, while ignoring current capitalist practices and 'growing their own' models of self-organising knowledge creaction and exchange.

Keywords
  • peer production,
  • open source,
  • conflict,
  • leadership,
  • organization
Publication Date
January, 2009
Citation Information
Karatzogianni, A. and Michaelides, G. "Cyberconflict at the Edge of Chaos: Cryptohierarchies and Self-organization in the Open Source" Capital and Class (2009): 143-157. Available at: http://works.bepress.com/athina_karatzogianni/2