  In this work, we aim to analyze how attitude, self-efficacy, and altruism
influence effort and active contributions on Wikipedia. We propose a new
conceptual model based on the theory of planned behavior and findings from the
literature on online communities. This model differs from other models that
have been previously proposed by considering altruism in its various facets
(identification, reciprocity, and reputation), and by treating effort as a
factor prior to performance results, which is measured in terms of active
contributions, according to the organizational literature. To fulfill the study
specific objectives, Wikipedia surveyed community members and collected
secondary data. After excluding outliers, we obtained a final sample with 212
participants. We applied exploratory factor analysis and structural equation
modeling, which resulted in a model with satisfactory fit indices. The results
indicate that effort influences active contributions, and attitude, altruism by
reputation, and altruism by identification influence effort. None of the
proposed factors are directly related to active contributions. Experience
directly influences self-efficacy while it positively moderates the relation
between effort and active contributions. Finally, we present the conclusions
via several implications for the literature as well as suggestions for future
research.
