Identifying Key Enablers of Agile Knowledge Work in Digitally Distributed Teams
Keywords:
Agile knowledge work, digitally distributed teams, enablersAbstract
This study aimed to identify the key enablers that support agile knowledge work within digitally distributed teams operating in Tehran’s technology sector. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 29 professionals engaged in agile roles across various organizations in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of roles including software developers, product managers, agile coaches, and UX designers. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo software. The analysis followed an inductive coding approach, enabling the emergence of themes grounded in participants’ experiences. Credibility was enhanced through peer debriefing, memo writing, and audit trails. Three main categories emerged from the data: Digital Collaboration Infrastructure, Human-Centered Agile Practices, and Organizational Support and Culture. Thematic analysis revealed that enablers such as seamless tool integration, real-time communication platforms, and platform flexibility were essential for facilitating agile processes in distributed contexts. Human-centered practices—including psychological safety, adaptive planning, and peer learning—were found to support autonomy and responsiveness. Organizational-level enablers such as leadership engagement, agile-compatible policies, and contextual onboarding played a critical role in aligning agile values with distributed team operations. These findings align with and extend prior research, emphasizing the integrated influence of technological, interpersonal, and institutional factors on agile knowledge work. Agile knowledge work in digitally distributed teams is enabled through the convergence of robust digital infrastructure, psychologically safe team dynamics, and agile-aligned organizational support. These findings provide both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for organizations seeking to optimize distributed agile practices in dynamic work environments.
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