We investigated the psychological underpinnings and effectiveness of Scrum, an agile framework for organizing work processes. In addition, we aimed to develop a questionnaire to measure the implementation of Scrum without using technical jargon. In Study 1, we developed a questionnaire of implementation of Scrum practices on a sample of 260 information and communications technology (ICT) professionals. We then further validated a questionnaire and investigated the relation of Scrum to job design/work motivation theories and desirable work outcomes on a subsample of 91 ICT professionals. In Study 2 we aimed to constructively replicate findings about Scrum effectiveness on a different sample of 94 ICT professionals. In addition, we aimed to show that higher Scrum implementation was also associated with lower turnover intentions. Our 15-item Scrum implementation questionnaire showed construct validity. Furthermore, we showed that job design/work motivation theories can partially serve as a psychologically grounded explanation for the effectiveness of Scrum methodology and that the implementation of Scrum methodology is related to favorable work outcomes. Our paper offers a significant contribution to the literature on job design and agile work practices by (1) offering a novel measure of implementation of Scrum work practices which should be applicable beyond the ICT sector and (2) providing empirical evidence grounding Scrum practices in job design/work motivation theories. It offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners interested in optimizing work environments and employee well-being through structured work practices.
Ružojčić et al. (Thu,) studied this question.