The Potential of Niklas Luhmann's General Theory of Social Systems for Research on Agile Methodologies

摘要

This paper highlights the potential of Niklas Luhmann's general theory of social systems for IS research on agile methodologies. Based on the common denominator of communication, a high degree of compatibility of Luhmann's systems theory with agile principles and values is found. Its value for IS research is illustrated by three sample research avenues: explaining social mechanisms in agile project environments, grounding agile methodologies in theory, and designing enhanced agile techniques for practice. IS researchers interested in explanatory and theory-building research can use Luhmann's theory as a novel lens to arrive at new insights about the effects of agile methodologies in project teams. Design science-oriented IS researchers and practitioners find opportunities for developing and enhancing agile methodologies and techniques in a theoretically grounded and empirically-validated way, based on systemic principles.