Action-embedded transformational leadership in self-managing global information systems development teams

• Published in: The journal of strategic information systems 2013-06, Vol.22 (2), p.103-120
• Main Authors: Eseryel, U. Yeliz, Eseryel, Deniz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Action-embedded leadership; Effectiveness; F/LOSS; Global team; IS development for competitive advantage; IS development team; Open Source Software; OSS; Self-managing team; Self-managing virtual IS development; Transformational leadership; Vision transformation
• ISSN: 0963-8687; 1873-1198
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsis.2013.02.001

► SMG-ISDT team transformational leadership is action embedded, not managerial. ► SMG-ISDT transformational leaders emerge through substantive and long-term contributions. ► Transformational leaders are knowledgeable guardians of project and are role models. ► Transformational SMG-ISDT leaders influence effectiveness and transform technology vision. While software development teams are becoming more and more distributed around the globe, most software development methodologies used by global teams prescribe self-managing teams. Transformational leadership is the key to successful information systems development and use for competitive advantage. Yet, little is known about transformational leadership in self-managing global information systems development team settings. This study answers the research question of how leaders emerge and strategically influence systems development in self-managing global information systems development teams. This question is answered with a grounded theory study of Apache Open Source Software development teams. A theoretical model of action-embedded transformational leadership is developed to demonstrate how leaders emerge and strategically influence systems development efforts through their leadership, which is embedded in their work-related actions.