The motivation to participate in citizen-sourcing and hackathons in the public sector

Abstract

Key challenges of how citizens can be motivated to participate in citizen-sourcing initiatives remain unaddressed. In this paper, we identified the influence of eight motivation variables in the number of participations in Hackathons, a citizen-sourcing initiative, in Brazil. We adapt different models from Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior with recent studies of crowdsourcing and open software initiatives. To validate the survey, we conducted a confirmatory factorial analysis, using Structural Equation Modelling. Tests with 308 questionnaires confirm the reliability and validity of the survey as well as the model’s overall quality. This research shows evidence that supports that recognition, learning, financial rewards and fun influence attitude towards participation in Hackathons. We present theoretical and managerial implications to scholars and public agents interested in engaging citizens in solving public problems.