Toward a theory of communication in distributed software development teams a research proposal

• Published in: Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Global Software Engineering pp. 145 - 148
• Main Author: de Sá Leitão Júnior, Nelson G.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY, USA ACM 27-05-2018
• Series: ACM Conferences
• Subjects: Social and professional topics > Professional topics > Management of computing and information systems > Project and people management; Social and professional topics > Professional topics > Management of computing and information systems > Project and people management > Project management techniques; Social and professional topics > Professional topics > Management of computing and information systems > Project and people management > Project staffing; Social and professional topics > Professional topics > Management of computing and information systems > Project and people management > Systems planning; communication; project management; distributed software development
• ISBN: 9781450357173; 1450357172
• DOI: 10.1145/3196369.3196384

Context: Communication plays an essential role in the professional software development, as it stands as one of the pillars of this collaborative activity. Communication is also one of the leading challenges in Distributed Software Development (DSD) teams, which may be hindered by this business model. Still, little is known about how communication occurs in this specific context. Objective: This work aims to present a doctoral research proposal for studying communication in DSD teams to propose a new theory, and thereby, establish a theoretical base for future studies. Additionally, to stimulate discussions about the relevance of this proposal. Method: I propose Grounded Theory research. Results: To help in the consolidation of this study gap, I present the preliminary results of a non-extensive literature review. Conclusions: Based on preliminary findings, I conclude that a new, and specific communication theory in DSD may have its place in literature.