Exploring the Role of Software Team Leader in Socio-Technical Networks

Abstract

Effective teamwork is a critical factor in the success of software development projects, where technical expertise must be complemented by collaborative skills. This study explores the role of software team leads within socio-technical networks, investigating how their social network and interactions shape software project teams. Drawing from the growing recognition of social structure’s pivotal role in teamwork, the study incorporates concepts from social network analysis, such as centrality, centralization, and network density, to understand their impact on work satisfaction, performance, and power within teams. The research methodology employs an experimental approach within a university setting, involving 60 participants from software engineering courses. Participants are asked to list preferred team members and desired roles (i.e., team leader or programmer), with complex network techniques used to analyze these preferences. The study’s findings are expected to contribute to both academia and industry. In academia, the insights gained can inform curriculum development to better prepare students for real-world software development teamwork. In industry, a deeper understanding of effective team leadership dynamics can potentially enhance the outcomes of software development projects. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between technical skills, social interactions, and leadership qualities, this research aims to advance effective teamwork in software engineering contexts.