Implementing and appropriating component-based development form the aspect of cross-functional collaboration

Authors

Jimmy Huang
Sue Newell
Robert Galliers
Peter Love, Edith Cowan University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Faculty

Faculty of Business and Public Management

School

School of Business

RAS ID

1874

Comments

Huang, J., Newell, S., Galliers, R., & Love, P. (2003). Implementing and appropriating component-based development form the aspect of cross-functional collaboration. In Surfing the waves: 17th ANZAM Conference. Perth, Australia: Edith Cowan University. Abstract only available at https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworks/7140/

Abstract

In this article we argue that to maximize the potential of component-based software development (CBD) requires cross-functional collaboration between various stakeholder groups. Fostering such collaboration depends upon the penetration of boundaries that are formed based on the geographical dispersion of organizational units, subcultural differences between organizational communities and the context dependent nature of functionally specific knowledge. It is reported that the introduction and appropriation of CBD is not merely an intellectual activity, but also an emotional one. Also, to unlock the potential of CBD, penetrating the three types of boundaries is crucial. From the intellectual aspect, it was crucial to manage paradigmatic differences to achieve shared understanding between different stakeholder groups. From the emotional aspect, it was clear that organizational members were required to achieve emotional attachment as a means of developing trust between different stakeholder groups. Three interrelated factors that influence the process of boundary penetrating, notably mutual learning, perspective taking and trust are discussed.