Reconciling Perspectives: How People Manage the Process of Software Development

Abstract

Social factors are the significant cost drivers for software development and in this field study we develop a grounded theory of how people manage the process of software development. We discovered the main concern of those involved in the process of software development is getting the job done and to get the job done, people engage in a constant process of Reconciling Perspectives. Reconciling Perspectives is a four-stage process to drive the convergence of the different points of view or perspectives individuals have of a software project. What this theory reveals is the importance of individuals' ability to reach out and engage in negotiations to the success of a software project.