An Investigation into Time Pressure, Group Cohesion and Decision Making in Software Development Groups

Two of the key themes in contemporary information systems development (ISD) literature are (i) how to build and release systems in shorter time frames and (ii) how to enable development groups to build systems in a cohesive manner. This is reflected by today’s predominant contemporary ISD methods such as agile, their distinguishing feature being an explicit emphasis on continuous, timely releases and a facilitation of effective group collaboration and communication. In a survey of 119 software developers we explore the effects of group cohesion and two types of time pressure, hindrance and challenge, on the decision-making quality of ISD groups. Our results showed challenge time pressure and group cohesion to have a positive effect with hindrance time pressure having no significant impact. We discuss the implications of this and offer insights with respect to theory and practice for those wishing to improve the decision-making quality of their ISD groups.

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