Managing IT Software Development Teams: The relationship between the use of software development methodology, leadership style, and job satisfaction - Paperback

by Jodine M. Burchell Phd (Author)

Many information technology (IT) projects are managed with the use of software development methodologies (SDMs) as the project progresses through the systems development life cycle. However, some IT projects are managed without the use of SDMs. Currently, very little research focuses on SDM use and its effect on IT personnel. The problem addressed in this study was whether job satisfaction is influenced by the use of SDMs in IT projects. Job satisfaction is known to have an effect on voluntary turnover, which is very costly to organizations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether the use of SDMs in IT projects is associated with IT employees having higher overall job satisfaction and to examine the influence of leadership style for IT leaders who use SDMs compared to those who do not. The research questions addressed the relationship between SDM use, leadership style, and job satisfaction. The research methodology was a quantitative, correlational design utilizing a cross-sectional Internet-based survey that is descriptive in nature. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Data were collected from 95 individuals who self-identified as belonging to a software development team. A Pearson product-moment analysis showed there was no significant relationship between SDM use and overall job satisfaction. A significant relationship was found between the 3 leadership styles and job satisfaction. Regression analysis indicated small differences when comparing models between SDM users and non-SDM users. The results of the study may affect social change and afford IT project leaders the ability to make better strategic decisions that could positively affect job satisfaction and reduce turnover intention.

Author Biography

Dr Burchell has over 17 years of practical experience in the area of Information Systems including the roles of programmer, senior programmer/analyst, senior database administrator, and Database Security Administrator. Her academic teaching experience includes Management Information Systems, Project Management, Database Management, Business Research Methods, IT Security, etc. Dr Burchell has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and published abstracts. She has presented at academic forums such as the Sloan Consortium, Yale University, the International Conference on Learning and Administration in Higher Education, the Academic Business World International Conference, and the Fort Hayes Business and Leadership Symposium. Dr Burchell has also served on board for Sigma Iota Epsilon and currently serves as reviewer for the Academy of Management.