Distributed software development in agile projects: a model for the promotion of social interactions

Abstract

Agile methods address the challenge of an unpredictable world, relying on people and their creativity, flexible team self-organization with incentives for participation, social cooperation and less formalization being increasingly used in larger projects. The issues related to communication, trust, coordination, and social interactions among project stakeholders impact Information Technology team dynamics. This article investigates what the constructs are that lead to the promotion of social interaction in DSD environments. We conducted this qualitative and exploratory research using an interpretative approach to interview 35 project professionals. This paper contributes to the theory by delivering a model for the promotion of social interactions in distributed agile projects. We introduced the interaction coordination variable that emerged from the field, aiming to encourage and direct relationships between team members so that they are aligned with the mutual benefits of the project. These benefits include improving communication, knowledge sharing, and a sense of responsibility for the product. The study also draws the attention of practitioners to the promotion of social interactions in agile DSD environments.