Confusion and collectivism in the ICT sector: Is FLOSS the answer?. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marks, Abigail; Chillas, Shiona; Galloway, Laura; Maclean, Gavin
• Is Part Of: Economic and industrial democracy. Volume 41:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Class -- collectivism -- ICT workers -- open source software -- unions; Management -- Employee participation -- Periodicals; 331.0112
• DOI: 10.1177/0143831X17695441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-831X

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) workers rarely join trade unions. This is usually explained by the individualized nature of work. This article examines broader forms of collectivism for these workers, drawing on survey and interview data. The focus is on social class, attitudes towards unions and professional bodies and participation in the broader ICT community – specifically Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS). The findings reveal absence of formal collective frames of reference or organization, yet the creativity, autonomy and initiative central to the identity of ICT workers may offer opportunities for collectivization particularly with regard to participation in FLOSS communities.