Navigating Governance Processes in IT Startups: A Case Study within an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the intricate aspects of governance procedures within agile software development teams in IT startups in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) environment in South Africa. The research aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of how elements such as leadership styles, organizational culture, decision-making processes, team climate, and emotional aspects of leadership influence the navigation and effectiveness of governance in agile agile software development teams. A case study of an IT startup within an OEM was used to explore the research question. To answer this question, an investigation was conducted through interviews of a qualitative nature with 20 members of agile teams in the organization selected for the case study seeking to: (i) To examine the current governance practices employed by agile teams of software development organizations within an OEM environment in South Africa; (ii) To identify the key challenges and opportunities faced by software development organizations in implementing effective governance practices; and (iii) To recommend best practices and strategies for enhancing governance practices in software development organizations, based on the findings of the case studies and an analysis of industry trends and standards. The results indicate the necessity of adaptive leadership that balances transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire styles to effectively manage governance of agile software development teams; the importance of aligning governance frameworks with organizational cultures, fostering continuous improvement, and promoting effective communication; the challenges in role clarity and the impacts of missing team members on workload, job satisfaction, and project outcomes; and that culturally sensitive governance practices, supported by regular knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture of measured risk-taking, enhance team performance and innovation. Thus the recommendations include implementing adaptive leadership training, fostering a culture of continuous feedback, and enhancing risk management practices to ensure project stability and quality. This study contributes to understanding how governance processes can be tailored to support agile methodologies in complex organizational settings.