Abstract

Software crowdsourcing (SC) is booming as a popular paradigm for rapid solution development. However, unique characteristics of this emerging paradigm, such as external resources and black-box nature of crowdsourced processes, introduce inherent risk to crowdsourcing. This paper aims at developing better understanding towards risk in SC. To that end, we conduct a literature review of 36 relevant articles, and propose a preliminary taxonomy of SC risk including 13 risk types. These 13 risk types are organized with a two-dimensional, processes vs. entities, structure. For each risk, its description and cause / consequence are introduced. Analysis of possible reasons and practical mitigation suggestions are also offered for crowdsourcing practitioners to better cope with risks. The preliminary results will help both requesters and platforms to be alert to risks by understanding them, so as to ensure the achievement of expected benefits of SC.