Paper Info
Title
Socialization tactics in wikipedia and their effects
Abstract
Socialization of newcomers is critical both for conventional groups. It helps groups perform effectively and the newcomers develop commitment. However, little empirical research has investigated the impact of specific socialization tactics on newcomers' commitment to online groups. We examined WikiProjects, subgroups in Wikipedia organized around working on common topics or tasks. In study 1, we identified the seven socialization tactics used most frequently: invitations to join, welcome messages, requests to work on project-related tasks, offers of assistance, positive feedback on a new member's work, constructive criticism, and personal-related comments. In study 2, we examined their impact on newcomers' commitment to the project. Whereas most newcomers contributed fewer edits over time, the declines were slowed or reversed for those socialized with welcome messages, assistance, and constructive criticism. In contrast, invitations led to steeper declines in edits. These results suggest that different socialization tactics play different roles in socializing new members in online groups compared to offline ones.
Year
DOI
Venue
2010
10.1145/1718918.1718940
CSCW
Keywords
Field
DocType
different role,constructive criticism,socialization tactic,different socialization tactic,welcome message,common topic,specific socialization tactic,conventional group,new member,online group,positive feedback,socialization,wikipedia,empirical research
Social psychology,Computer science,Constructive criticism,Socialization,Empirical research
Conference
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
64
2.74
6
Authors
4
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Boreum Choi127814.53
Kira Alexander2642.74
Robert Kraut369031324.48
John M. Levine417112.75