Analysing Boundary Objects to Develop Results that Support Business Goals

In this study of eight outsourcing projects, we seek to understand the mechanisms that companies put in place to coordinate knowledge work across their boundaries. We find that means through which projects improve coordination include: using a mediator, using multiple passage points of information, and increasing work visibility. We offer a framework in which the following three facets are contemplated: knowledge coordination (who), boundary object translation (what) and coordination practices (how). Our results suggest the importance of securing effective translation of boundary objects (the concepts belonging to the business world and to the software development world) to align software results with business goals.