Elucidating the determinants of crowdsourcing adoption for organisation value creation

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the determinants influencing organisations decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. By synthesising existing literature, it seeks to identify critical factors that act as enablers or inhibitors in the adoption process and propose a framework for understanding crowdsourcing adoption within organisational contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a systematic literature review methodology to examine the determinants influencing organisations' decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. The review encompassed research articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, spanning 2006 to 2021. Additionally, morphological analysis was conducted to categorise the identified determinants into three distinct contexts: technological, organisational and environmental. This methodological approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the factors shaping crowdsourcing adoption within organisational settings, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon across different dimensions.

Findings

The study identifies 12 determinants influencing crowdsourcing adoption, categorised into technological, organisational and environmental dimensions. These determinants include technological compatibility, organisational readiness, top management support, crowd readiness and availability of third-party platforms. While some determinants primarily act as enablers, others exhibit dual roles or serve as inhibitors depending on contextual factors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and organisational leaders seeking to leverage crowdsourcing as a strategic tool for innovation and competitiveness. The assessment scale of drivers and barriers developed in this research offers a systematic approach for evaluating the factors influencing crowdsourcing adoption, providing a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Theoretical implications include advancements in morphological analysis methodology and a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Managerial implications highlight strategies for enhancing organisational readiness, leveraging leadership support and mitigating adoption risks. Overall, the study provides a foundation for future empirical research and practical guidance for organisations planning to adopt crowdsourcing initiatives.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to crowdsourcing by presenting an integrated and theoretically grounded framework. By consolidating adoption determinants from diverse contexts, this study clarifies the understanding of crowdsourcing adoption. The framework offers practical value to managers and decision-makers, equipping them with a structured approach to assess and navigate the challenges associated with effectively adopting crowdsourcing. As such, this study contributes to advancing crowdsourcing practices and supports more informed managerial decision-making in innovation and knowledge sourcing.

Citation

Mishra, D. and Maheshwari, N. (2024), "Elucidating the determinants of crowdsourcing adoption for organisation value creation", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-01-2024-4175