Title: Communication patterns and team performance within agile software development project

Authors: Saieshni Thanthony; Annlizé Marnewick; Carl Marnewick

Addresses: Postgradute School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Bunting Road & Annet Road, Auckland Park, 2004, Johannesburg ' Postgradute School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Bunting Road & Annet Road, Auckland Park, 2004, Johannesburg ' Department of Applied Information Systems, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Bunting Road & Annet Road, Auckland Park, 2004, Johannesburg

Abstract: Communication is a prerequisite for team performance. Even with strong evidence that communication plays a vital role in enabling team performance, there continues to be a lack of agreement as to precisely how. This paper reviews the literature regarding this topic to determine communication and team performance patterns. The insights regarding the patterns were then validated by agile software development (ASD) academics and practitioners using a quantitative survey. Certain previously known communication and team performance patterns were rejected but most patterns were found to be an accurate description of the ASD team dynamic. A summary of the deductions is presented in the form of a rich description of the communication and team performance patterns. This exploratory research contributes to the body of knowledge that deals with the research topic. The research assists ASD researchers and practitioners with making improvements in team performance by understanding and modifying applicable team communication aspects.

Keywords: agile; agile software development; ASD; communication; agile software development teams; communication patterns; team performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2022.124173

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.15 No.1, pp.118 - 146

Received: 15 Jan 2021
Accepted: 02 Sep 2021

Published online: 15 Jul 2022 *

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