A framework for a successful collaboration culture in software development and operations (DevOps) environments

Abstract

Traditional software development methodologies are historically used for the creation of software products in separate departments, namely development and operations departments. The development department typically codes and tests the software, whilst the operations department is responsible for its deployment. This siloed arrangement is not aligned to modern practices, which require a timeous response to changes without necessarily delaying the product release. DevOps culture addresses this silos problem by creating an enabling environment for the two departments to collaborate throughout the software development life cycle. The successful implementation of the DevOps culture should give an organisation a competitive advantage over its rivals by responding to changes much faster than when traditional methodologies are employed. However, there is no coherent framework on how organisations should implement DevOps culture. Hence, this study was aimed at developing a framework for the implementation of DevOps culture by identifying important factors that should be included in the framework. The literature survey revealed that open communication, roles and responsibility alignment, respect and trust are the main factors that constitute DevOps collaboration culture. The proposed framework was underpinned by the Information System Development Model which suggests that the acceptance of a new technology by software developers is influenced by social norm, organisational usefulness and perceived behavioural control. A sequential mixed method was used to survey and interview respondents from South Africa, which were selected using convenience and purposive sampling. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data acquired through the questionnaire followed by a qualitative analysis of interviews were undertaken. The results showed that open communication, respect and trust are the key success factors to be included in the framework. The role and responsibility factor was found not to be statistically significant. This study contributes towards the understanding of factors necessary for the acceptance of DevOps culture in a software development organisation. DevOps managers can use the results of this study to successfully adopt and implement DevOps culture. This study also contributes to the theoretical literature on software development by identifying factors that are important in the acceptance of DevOps collaboration culture.