Objectives and Key Results in Software Teams: Challenges, Opportunities and Impact on Development
The study examined how large software companies set and manage goals, using interviews and surveys with over 4,000 engineers, highlighting the pivotal role of middle management in this process.
In a study at a large multinational software company, researchers used interviews and a survey among over 4,000 engineers to understand goal setting and management in software development. They discovered that translating high-level goals into actionable tasks is challenging but crucial, with middle management playing a key role. Engineers' attitudes and beliefs significantly impact goal achievement. Recommendations to enhance goal setting in software organizations include investing in data pipelines, increasing transparency, improving communication, fostering learning communities, and structurally implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
- Jenna Butler
- Thomas Zimmerman
- Christian Bird
