Managing It Software Development Teams

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.