Open Source Governance Model

An Open Source Governance Model is a project governance model that defines decision-making structures for open source projects.

• AKA: OSS Governance Model, Open Source Leadership Model, Community Governance Model.
• Context:
  • It can typically define Decision Making Processes for technical decisions and project directions.
  • It can typically establish Contribution Guidelines for code submissions and review processes.
  • It can typically specify Leadership Structures including maintainer roles and committee formations.
  • It can typically outline Conflict Resolution mechanisms for technical disagreements and community disputes.
  • It can often balance Community Participation with efficient decision making through governance rules.
  • It can often evolve from informal governance to formal governance as project maturity increases.
  • It can often influence Contributor Retention through transparent processes and fair treatment.
  • It can range from being a Centralized Governance Model to being a Distributed Governance Model, depending on its authority distribution.
  • It can range from being a Informal Governance Model to being a Formal Governance Model, depending on its structure level.
  • It can range from being a Technical Governance Model to being a Holistic Governance Model, depending on its governance scope.
  • It can range from being a Simple Governance Model to being a Complex Governance Model, depending on its rule complexity.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Individual-Led Governance Models, such as:
    • Benevolent Dictator for Life Model with single leader.
    • Lead Maintainer Model with primary maintainer.
  • Committee-Based Governance Models, such as:
    • Steering Committee Model with elected members.
    • Technical Board Model with appointed experts.
    • Core Team Model with senior contributors.
  • Community Governance Models, such as:
    • Meritocracy Model based on contributions.
    • Democratic Model with voting systems.
    • Consensus Model requiring agreement.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Corporate Governance Model, which uses hierarchical management structures.
  • Academic Governance Model, which follows institutional hierarchies.
  • Proprietary Software Governance, which uses closed decision processes.
• See: Project Governance Model, Open Source Project, Software Project Management, Benevolent Dictator for Life Model, Community Leadership, Decision Making Process, Open Source Community.

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