Performance Measurement in Scaled Agile Organizations

Abstract

Performance metrics are a key tool for organizations to direct and motivate their members toward desired outcomes. Despite their central role also in Agile development, little is known about how Agile organizations set performance objectives and metrics in practice and balance between business and software engineering goals. In particular, there is a knowledge gap regarding performance measurement and its challenges in scaled Agile organizations. This paper applies an exploratory case study method to examine performance objectives and metrics in two business units of a scaled Agile organization and suggests a framework for selecting and structuring performance objectives within them. We offer five performance measurement dimensions that can be applied to provide guidance for scaled Agile organizations in selecting and prioritizing performance objectives.