Paper Number
2048
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
Previous studies have greatly advanced our understanding of large-scale agile transformations. Yet, practice continues to face challenges. We tie this to the inherent complexity of the phenomenon that is often overlooked in research as it is merely used to describe the endeavour. Recognising this, this study embraces the complexity to propose a paradigmatic shift: to view large-scale agile transformations as wicked problems. To do so, it draws on the problematisation methodology and integrates insights from the literature and interviews with agile practitioners. The proposed paradigmatic shift bears significant implications as it calls for novel and non-linear ways of addressing the topic. The findings contribute to theory and practice: we offer an alternative paradigmatic assumption to research large-scale agile transformations and a clear conceptualisation of large-scale agile transformations as a wicked problem. For practice, we propose practical inquiries to help agile practitioners untangle and address the wickedness of scaling agile.
Recommended Citation
Roschnik, Alicia and Missonier, Stephanie, "Conceptualising Scaling Agile as a Wicked Problem" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 6.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track02_general/track02_general/6
Conceptualising Scaling Agile as a Wicked Problem
Previous studies have greatly advanced our understanding of large-scale agile transformations. Yet, practice continues to face challenges. We tie this to the inherent complexity of the phenomenon that is often overlooked in research as it is merely used to describe the endeavour. Recognising this, this study embraces the complexity to propose a paradigmatic shift: to view large-scale agile transformations as wicked problems. To do so, it draws on the problematisation methodology and integrates insights from the literature and interviews with agile practitioners. The proposed paradigmatic shift bears significant implications as it calls for novel and non-linear ways of addressing the topic. The findings contribute to theory and practice: we offer an alternative paradigmatic assumption to research large-scale agile transformations and a clear conceptualisation of large-scale agile transformations as a wicked problem. For practice, we propose practical inquiries to help agile practitioners untangle and address the wickedness of scaling agile.
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