Dynamic distributed knowledge work - Collaboration and productivity factors in the context of global software development
Löytty, Katriina (2016)
2016
Tietojenkäsittelytieteiden tutkinto-ohjelma - Degree Programme in Computer Sciences
Informaatiotieteiden yksikkö - School of Information Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2016-06-30
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201609022210
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201609022210
Tiivistelmä
This master's thesis examines factors that influence on collaboration and productivity in dynamically distributed knowledge work with a case in global software development (GSD). The topic is studied by the methods of a literature review, case study approach, qualitative semi-structured interviews and content analysis of the collected interview material. The thesis contributes to and was conducted in collaboration with a Tekes-funded joint research program, DD-SCALE (2014-2016).
The theoretical frame of the thesis was constructed based on a literature review of previous GSD research on team collaboration and productivity. This frame was used as a basis for the empirical part of the study with the aim to complement, strengthen and expand the findings of previous research.
The interviews were conducted in India with managerial level information and communication technology (ICT) research and development (R&D) professionals of a case company that has multiple software R&D locations around the globe. As a result, a set of 217 factors in 16 categories and seven higher level viewpoints that concern issues of cross-boundary collaboration, competence and knowledge, improving practices and processes, socio-cultural aspects, human capabilities and characteristics, management and leadership, and tools and infrastructure was gathered.
The findings are in line with previous GSD research, and they indicate that factors impacting collaboration and productivity of distributed teams are interdependent, embedded in different organizational layers, and especially linked to the areas of human related, management practices and technical factors in organizations.
Moreover, the findings point to the importance of enabling maturity, evolution and continuum in teams to support the accumulation of capabilities and (intellectual) capital in a dynamic and fast changing business environment. It is thereby suggested that the dimension of continuity as an enabler for accumulating competency, growing team relations, team and organizational evolution and maturity should be further addressed in GSD research to support enhanced collaboration and productivity.
The theoretical frame of the thesis was constructed based on a literature review of previous GSD research on team collaboration and productivity. This frame was used as a basis for the empirical part of the study with the aim to complement, strengthen and expand the findings of previous research.
The interviews were conducted in India with managerial level information and communication technology (ICT) research and development (R&D) professionals of a case company that has multiple software R&D locations around the globe. As a result, a set of 217 factors in 16 categories and seven higher level viewpoints that concern issues of cross-boundary collaboration, competence and knowledge, improving practices and processes, socio-cultural aspects, human capabilities and characteristics, management and leadership, and tools and infrastructure was gathered.
The findings are in line with previous GSD research, and they indicate that factors impacting collaboration and productivity of distributed teams are interdependent, embedded in different organizational layers, and especially linked to the areas of human related, management practices and technical factors in organizations.
Moreover, the findings point to the importance of enabling maturity, evolution and continuum in teams to support the accumulation of capabilities and (intellectual) capital in a dynamic and fast changing business environment. It is thereby suggested that the dimension of continuity as an enabler for accumulating competency, growing team relations, team and organizational evolution and maturity should be further addressed in GSD research to support enhanced collaboration and productivity.