Experienced Challenges of Adopting Agile Scaling Frameworks

Background: The adoption of agile scaling frameworks has become increasingly prevalent in the software industry as organizations seek to extend the use of agile to large and complex projects. The frameworks claim to provide the necessary structure and guidance for scaling agile practices across multiple teams and domains. Despite their growing popularity, the challenges of adopting the frameworks are poorly understood. Aims: In this study, we analyze the experienced challenges related to adopting agile scaling frameworks to understand whether they are different for the different frameworks or between industries or roles within the adopting organization. Method: We conducted a survey targeting software practitioners with experience adopting agile scaling frameworks. We received 204 valid responses, representing ten frameworks adopted in 26 countries and six continents. Results: The most salient challenge, regardless of scaling framework, industry, or role, was organizational politics. Across frameworks, the challenge of forming agile teams emerged as the second most significant and change resistance as the third. We found significant differences in the challenges experienced by organizations based on their chosen framework and significant differences in the challenges between different industries and organizational roles, highlighting the importance of context when adopting agile scaling frameworks. Conclusions: This study provides the first quantitative assessment of the challenges of adopting specific agile scaling frameworks in various contexts. By comparing the challenges associated with different frameworks, industries, and organizational roles, other organizations can better understand the most significant obstacles they may face and improve their framework fit to mitigate them. Future studies could build on these findings to provide additional insights and recommendations for organizations seeking to adopt agile scaling frameworks, including identifying strategies for overcoming common challenges and improving the overall effectiveness of these frameworks in a diverse range of contexts.