Semi-decentralized Platform Governance: A Qualitative Study

Over the last decade, firms that own digital platforms (e.g., Meta, Amazon, Alphabet) have dominated the list of most valuable global firms. Driven by the proliferation of their platforms that have transformed societies at large, these firms occupy privileged positions in today’s landscape as they oversee the transactions and interactions of millions of users. Initially lauded, digital platforms have come under scrutiny as their governance is concentrated in the hands of a few firms that function as de facto governments. Indeed, centralized platform governance has been associated with greater power that privileges the interests of platform owners relative to other constituents. While decentralized platform governance has been conversely invoked as a solution, it has been associated with less prospects for collective action and scalability. The proposed project seeks to develop a deeper understanding of semi-decentralized governance, an alternative model that affords users and communities the ability to define their distinctive rules and regulations while still operating under the umbrella of a centralized platform owner. Through leveraging a rich dataset, the proposed project aims to conduct a qualitative study within a digital community in a platform exemplary of such governance. The output of this study is a deeper understanding of the determinants and dynamics of semi-decentralized platform governance, specifically as it pertains to the exercise of voice by platform users. Importantly, the study aims to offer insights into effective and sustainable governance of digital platforms and relatedly questions of corporate responsibility and accountability.