Team Dynamics in Agile: A Qualitative Investigation into the Potential for an Evolving Principle

Abstract

Agile methodologies have become the cornerstone of software product management (SPM) and yet the original 12 Agile Principles, formulated over two decades ago, have not been systematically revisited to reflect contemporary industry practices. This research was conducted as part of a Master of Science in Project Management program at Liverpool John Moore’s University. It investigates the current agile principles in software product management by using qualitative study with structured interviews of agile practitioners with over three years of experience.  The study aims to lay the groundwork for future research to explore practitioners' insights on adding or removing elements from the 12 principles.  The study found the principles to be comprehensive but suggests adding a new clause on ‘psychological safety’ under the domain of team dynamics. The study was also able to produce a definition of ‘what a valuable software’ means. Further research is recommended to gather more qualitative input from experienced professionals. Agile principles focus on fast software delivery, customer engagement, continuous delivery, and experimentation, making this study relevant as the world rapidly moves toward digitalization.