Table 3 Influencing factors

Knowledge

A low level of knowledge of the OA publication model tends to result in its rejection;

Knowledge of OA does not necessarily lead to a positive attitude towards OA. Authors do not publish in OA in the absence of a positive attitude towards OA;

The use of OA publications does not necessarily depend on knowledge of OA. Most academic researchers prefer easy access to publications;

If authors knew that the OA publication model enabled them to increase the outreach of their research (through citations/better awareness), this would lead to greater acceptance of and participation in the OA publication model;

Coverage on predatory journals (cf. Rödel 2018) has damaged the reputation of the OA publication model and led authors to associate OA with “fake science”.

Professional academic culture

Authors working in the humanities and social sciences prefer to publish their research results in traditional print publications, such as monographs and edited volumes^a. Accordingly, the existing academic culture impedes OA because OA business models mostly focus on the publication of journal articles. OA business models for monographs have only been developed since 2018;

Authors presumably view a mere digital version of their work as insufficient. For this reason, linking an OA business model for monographs with an optional print-on-demand could increase the acceptance of OA.

Status

Authors who are still building their academic career consider OA to provide fewer opportunities to gain reputation, for example for academic appointment procedures.