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Defining Leadership and its Challenges while Transitioning to DevOps
Authors:
Krikor Maroukian
Stephen Gulliver
Keywords: DevOps adoption; resistance factors; leadership characteristics; metrics
Abstract:
DevOps practices and principles adoption is no longer restricted to technology-specific skills. Many studies indicate that successful DevOps adoption is part of continuous corporate transformation at all levels, and that includes cultural and behavioural patterns, process-driven perspective and toolchain readiness for usage. Our research method involves the analysis and evaluation of 30 interviews with participants from the private and public sectors in the EMEA region. Analysis and evaluation of a survey completed by 250 participants (73% from Europe) and 76% who have held previous leadership positions is also included. A mixed methods approach was used. Thirty (30) participants from consultancy firms and service provider organisations generated coded themes to expand our understanding of relevant factors. From the 250 survey participants, 81% had 10+ years of professional experience and two-thirds were currently practicing DevOps. The aim of our research was to unveil leadership-specific observations on characteristics and factors that would indicate certain reasoning behind challenges faced by organisations while transitioning to DevOps. Our results show that top leadership factors identified are: communication and collaboration, customer-centric mindset, having a technical background, and being an active listener. The least important factors identified were: gaining a relevant certification, design thinking, previous experience on transformation projects, and talent seeking.
Pages: 44 to 54
Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2020
Publication date: October 18, 2020
Published in: conference
ISSN: 2308-4235
ISBN: 978-1-61208-827-3
Location: Porto, Portugal
Dates: from October 18, 2020 to October 22, 2020