Implementing self-organizing Agile teams within a network regime

Abstract

A research on success factors and barriers for the implementation of self-organizing Agile teams within a network regime operating in a non-software development context Self-organizing Agile teams are found to be an important aspect of Agile working. The concept of Agile teams is defined in various ways throughout literature. The majority of literature focusses on the implementation of these teams within bureaucratic organizations within a software development context. However, flexible organizations - also called network regimes - have the desire to implement these teams as well. This study first theoretically examines the definition of Agile teams. Additionally, success factors and barriers for implementing self-organizing Agile teams were identified for network regimes operating in a non-software context. This was empirically tested in a qualitative study. Within this study, a total of sixteen interviews and a survey were conducted. The main success factors for implementing self-organizing Agile teams in a network regime found were trust, autonomy, external leadership and the appointment of a driver of change. Furthermore, communication and structure were found to be either success factors or barriers for the successful implementation. The lack of skills and abilities among employees operating in self-organizing Agile teams was found to be a barrier for the successful implementation. This study will help managers of network regimes to successfully implement self-organizing Agile teams within their organization.