| This was a qualitative grounded theory study of subjective experience in 'agile' software development teams, which were conceptualized as complex adaptive socio-technical systems. The basic research question was: What is the experience of being in an agile software development team? This was further structured to ask: How do agile practices structure and mediate the experience of individuals developing software? In particular, how do agile practices mediate the interaction between individuals and the team as a whole? And what are the socio-psychological characteristics surrounding agile practices and individuals within a software development team? In particular, what agile practices contribute to positive feelings such as motivation and excitement? Twenty-two interviews with agile practitioners were conducted, and analyzed in light of relevant literature using grounded theory. Results include a deeper understanding of socio-psychological phenomena occurring in teams. Social environments supporting commitment to a collective endeavor were seen to be particularly important. |
