Uncovering Situations of Cargo Cult Behavior in Agile Software Development Method Use

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Havstorm, Tanja Elina; Karlsson, Fredrik; Hedström, Karin

Abstract: Misinterpretations and faulty use of Software Development Method (SDM) practices ... Expand

Abstract: Misinterpretations and faulty use of Software Development Method (SDM) practices and principles are identified pitfalls in Software Development (SD). Previous research indicates cases with method adoption and use failures; one reason could be the SDM Cargo Cult (CC) behavior, where SD organizations claim to be agile but not doing agile. Previous research has suggested the SDM CC framework as an analytical tool. The aim of this paper is to refine the SDM CC framework and empirically test this version of the framework. We use data from an ethnographical study on three SD teams’ Daily Scrum Meetings (DSM). The empirical material was collected through observations, interviews, and the organization’s business documents. We uncovered twelve CC situations in the SD teams’ use of the DSM practice, structured into seven categories of SDM deviations: bringing irrelevant information, canceling meetings, disturbing the team, receiving unclear information, bringing new requirements, problem-solving, and task distribution. Collapse

Topics: Scrum software developer problem solving

Methods: qualitative interview design methodology field study ethnography

Theories: self determination theory social action theory organizational behavior theory motivation theory

Towards analysing the rationale of information security non-compliance: Devising a Value-Based Compliance analysis method

2017 | Journal of Strategic Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kolkowska, Ella; Karlsson, Fredrik; Hedström, Karin

Abstract: Employees’ poor compliance with information security policies is a perennial pro ... Expand

Abstract: Employees’ poor compliance with information security policies is a perennial problem. Current information security analysis methods do not allow information security managers to capture the rationalities behind employees’ compliance and non-compliance. To address this shortcoming, this design science research paper suggests: (a) a Value-Based Compliance analysis method and (b) a set of design principles for methods that analyse different rationalities for information security. Our empirical demonstration shows that the method supports a systematic analysis of why employees comply/do not comply with policies. Thus we provide managers with a tool to make them more knowledgeable about employees’ information security behaviours. Collapse

Topics: data security healthcare data electronic health record implicit knowledge information security practice

Methods: qualitative interview design principle literature study design process personal interview

Theories: value-based compliance theory social action theory

Open and free deliberation: A prerequisite for positive design

2009 | Information and Organization | Citations: 4

Authors: Asif, Zaheeruddin; Klein, Heinz K.

Abstract: Success in designing organizations and management with a positive lens will requ ... Expand

Abstract: Success in designing organizations and management with a positive lens will require multiple forms of positive inquiry. We introduce the model of Deliberative Inquiry based on Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action as a way to create an additional form of positive inquiry. We argue that Deliberative Inquiry and Appreciative Inquiry naturally complement and support each other in providing a suitable approach to positive design. Whereas the flagship contribution of Appreciative Inquiry is a breakaway from deficit-oriented thinking and a focus on life-generating forces, Deliberative Inquiry’s hallmark is the elimination of artificially imposed constraints through rational discourse. Appreciative Inquiry seeks strengths from positive emotions, while Deliberative Inquiry employs positive critique to unmask barriers to change and arrive at morally, ethically and pragmatically sound decisions by mutual and authentic agreement. We conclude by raising some guiding questions for the possibility of providing computer support for such inquiring systems. Collapse

Topics: system support open source online community wiki

Methods: design science literature study design process

Theories: theory of communicative action social action theory

IS project evaluation methodology - Science or art?

2009 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Vargas, Marianne Corvera

Abstract: As language is the venue for the concretisation of concepts and entities in info ... Expand

Abstract: As language is the venue for the concretisation of concepts and entities in information systems development (ISD), language unambiguousness is understood as an ideal basis for the success of the consolidation process in information systems development. In contrast, a fundamental postulation of language theories is the inherent ambiguity of natural language. Therefore, the analysis of how language consensus can be reached in an effective manner is of particular interest for collaborative ISD. We claim that the effectiveness of ISD depends on the ability to manage the question of how people deal with language in practice and reach consensus in the concrete ISD process. This requirement leads us to the point of emergence of language: the language interaction setting. Hence, we analysed the language interaction in an ISD project and identified different language interaction levels which serve as orientation for specific interventions in an interaction setting, enabling an intensification of consensus negotiation. Collapse

Topics: business model

Methods: participant observation theory development triangulation

Theories: theory of language social action theory communication theory

The Importance of Deliberative Inquiry for IS Research

2007 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Asif, Zaheeruddin; Klein, Heinz

Abstract: In 1971 Churchman drew our attention to the importance of epistemology for infor ... Expand

Abstract: In 1971 Churchman drew our attention to the importance of epistemology for information systems by modeling five types of ‘inquiring’ systems based on the evolving forms of epistemology. However, the evolution of epistemology did not end there. The most recent advance is the deliberative model. In this paper we clarify and strengthen the concept of deliberative communication as a form of deliberative inquiry and explain why it is an important topic for IS research. Collapse

Topics: information system use

Methods: literature study survey

Theories: social action theory

Conceptualising the Causes and Consequences of Uncertainty in IS Development Organisations and Projects

2007 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Madsen, Sabine

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the situational causes and behavioural consequences ... Expand

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the situational causes and behavioural consequences of uncertainty in ISD organisations and projects. The paper draws on a social action theory perspective and select contributions from the fields of or about ISD, organisational studies, sociology, and psychology to discuss uncertainty as a concept and in terms of its’ causes and influence on individual as well as on social action. The paper defines uncertainty, shows that it is an under-researched phenomenon, and provides a theoretical framework for further conceptual and empirical research into what makes IS developers feel uncertain, how they consequently act and interact, and what might promote the positive and prevent the negative effects of uncertainty in practice. Collapse

Topics: organization structure sensemaking

Methods: theory development

Theories: social action theory

Socio-instrumental usability: IT is all about social action1

2006 | Journal of Information Technology | Citations: 0

Authors: Ågerfalk, Pär J.; Eriksson, Owen

Abstract: Usability is an important concept that seems to receive less attention than it d ... Expand

Abstract: Usability is an important concept that seems to receive less attention than it deserves outside of the core Human–Computer Interaction community. The reason for this apparent lack of interest may stem from an overly instrumental orientation towards usability that does not appeal to more socially oriented researchers. Three central criteria for usability, as reflected in the contemporary literature, are the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which users can achieve specified goals. These criteria are often expressed in terms of achieving goals, which, at least tacitly, seem to be restricted to goals related to an instrumental view on the use of IT. To broaden this view, the paper elaborates on how the concept of usability can be understood and used within a social action context. How social goals are related to the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction criteria is addressed specifically. It is argued that in order truly to understand usability, we must consider both instrumental and social goals since their combination constitute a fundamental part of the social action context in which systems are used. Both instrumental and social goals affect the way systems and use-situations are designed and conceived. Interpreting usability from this broad social action perspective may be a way to make the concept more accepted throughout the wide variety of areas dealing with the design of IT systems. Collapse

Topics: usability information system use computer supported cooperative work systems design search engine

Methods: case study usability testing design science literature sample

Theories: action theory social action theory

eCommerce as Computer-Mediated Social Action

2000 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Janson, Marius; Iivari, Juhani; Oinas-Kukkonen, Harri

Abstract: We regard business-to-customer electronic commerce (eCommerce) a form of social ... Expand

Abstract: We regard business-to-customer electronic commerce (eCommerce) a form of social action that can be analyzed with Habermas’s (1985) communicative action theory. This theory presents a typology consisting of instrumental, strategic, normatively regulated, dramaturgical, and communicative action. We propose that social action theory in general and the action typology in particular are useful for analyzing eCommerce applications and as a framework for eCommerce research. Collapse

Topics: electronic commerce website business-to-consumer

Theories: action theory social action theory

Commentary on the intellectual structures of information systems development by hirschheim, klein and lyytinen

1996 | Information and Organization | Citations: 0

Authors: Introna, Lucas D.

Abstract: ... Expand

Abstract: Collapse

Theories: social action theory

Exploring the intellectual structures of information systems development: A social action theoretic analysis

1996 | Information and Organization | Citations: 0

Authors: Hirschheim, Rudy; Klein, Heinz K.; Lyytinen, Kalle

Abstract: In this paper we explore the intellectual structures upon which the field of inf ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper we explore the intellectual structures upon which the field of information systems development (ISD) is cultivated. The conceptual base of our work comes from the social action theories of Habermas and Etzioni. We propose a framework which reconceptualizes the field in terms of domains, orientations, object systems, and development strategies. Our analysis not only justifies the reflection of the field as a so-called “fragmented adhocracy”, but also shows why this is so: because IS researchers' mind sets fundamentally differ in terms of how problems are formulated and consequently solved. The intellectual structures of our framework suggest nine conceptual frames which mold these mind sets. Each frame acts as a lens and embraces a different development strategy which distinguishes itself in its dominant orientation of control, sense-making and argumentation, respectively. The framework organizes the field into interrelated sets of intellectual communities, and in so doing, acts as a vehicle for conceptualizing core research issues and identifying future research directions. The paper suggests an intellectual base for penetrating the ambiguities which envelope underresearched islands of ISD. Collapse

Topics: sensemaking systems development IS problem requirements analysis decision support system

Methods: mixed method instrumental variables estimation theory development

Theories: social action theory political theory general systems theory social sciences theory theory of communicative action