Paper Number
2178
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
The contemporary business landscape is shaped by complexity, ongoing change, and disruptions. To remain competitive, an increasing number of organizations are embracing the company-wide adoption of agile methodologies, known as large-scale agile transformations (LSATs). However, these transformations face significant challenges, such as employees’ lack of skills and motivation. While Communities of Practice (CoPs) are recognized as supportive mechanisms for LSATs, their role in addressing transformational challenges lacks adequate academic exploration. Our research bridges this gap by conducting an exploratory qualitative case study in a European automotive software company undergoing an LSAT. Through interviews with 33 actively participating employees across several internal online CoPs, we have found that these CoPs play a fundamental role in developing relevant employee abilities (workforce agility), perceptions (psychological empowerment), and attitudes (agile mindset). These findings contribute to understanding agile transformations and online CoPs and offer insights into effective strategies for managing and mitigating LSATs’ challenges.
Recommended Citation
Geffers, Kristin, "Overcoming People-Related Challenges in Large-Scale Agile Transformations: The Role of Online Communities of Practice" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 7.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track24_socialmedia/track24_socialmedia/7
Overcoming People-Related Challenges in Large-Scale Agile Transformations: The Role of Online Communities of Practice
The contemporary business landscape is shaped by complexity, ongoing change, and disruptions. To remain competitive, an increasing number of organizations are embracing the company-wide adoption of agile methodologies, known as large-scale agile transformations (LSATs). However, these transformations face significant challenges, such as employees’ lack of skills and motivation. While Communities of Practice (CoPs) are recognized as supportive mechanisms for LSATs, their role in addressing transformational challenges lacks adequate academic exploration. Our research bridges this gap by conducting an exploratory qualitative case study in a European automotive software company undergoing an LSAT. Through interviews with 33 actively participating employees across several internal online CoPs, we have found that these CoPs play a fundamental role in developing relevant employee abilities (workforce agility), perceptions (psychological empowerment), and attitudes (agile mindset). These findings contribute to understanding agile transformations and online CoPs and offer insights into effective strategies for managing and mitigating LSATs’ challenges.
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