Abstract
This paper explores discursive tensions about autonomy and control during a large-scale agile transformation at a traditional and highly regulated organization. A better understanding of these autonomy-control tensions might provide a basis for improving how agile systems development frameworks are scaled and governed in a large and complex organizational context. Based on a case study and a relational dialectics lens, we conceptualize and discuss autonomy and control tensions in an agile transformation journey at a large and complex bank. We analyze three interrelated discursive sub tensions of autonomy and control, namely independence versus dependence, flexibility versus tradition, and self-regulating versus bureaucratic, and underlying challenges of IT and business misalignment, traditional project governance, and legal, audit and risk compliance. The paper recommends ways to balance autonomy and control tensions during a large-scale agile journey.
Paper Type
Full Paper
Balancing Autonomy and Control Tensions in Large-Scale Agile
This paper explores discursive tensions about autonomy and control during a large-scale agile transformation at a traditional and highly regulated organization. A better understanding of these autonomy-control tensions might provide a basis for improving how agile systems development frameworks are scaled and governed in a large and complex organizational context. Based on a case study and a relational dialectics lens, we conceptualize and discuss autonomy and control tensions in an agile transformation journey at a large and complex bank. We analyze three interrelated discursive sub tensions of autonomy and control, namely independence versus dependence, flexibility versus tradition, and self-regulating versus bureaucratic, and underlying challenges of IT and business misalignment, traditional project governance, and legal, audit and risk compliance. The paper recommends ways to balance autonomy and control tensions during a large-scale agile journey.
Recommended Citation
Naidoo R. & Rikhotso, S. (2021). Balancing Autonomy and Control Tensions in Large-Scale Agile. In E. Insfran, F. González, S. Abrahão, M. Fernández, C. Barry, H. Linger, M. Lang, & C. Schneider (Eds.), Information Systems Development: Crossing Boundaries between Development and Operations (DevOps) in Information Systems (ISD2021 Proceedings). Valencia, Spain: Universitat Politècnica de València.