Challenges of Globally Distributed Software Development – Analysis of Problems Related to Social Processes and Group Relations

When software development is understood as collaborative action between group members, many of the common problems encountered in software development projects can be traced back to social factors of the project. In distributed projects, physical distance between group members limits their face-to-face interaction and thus sets special challenges to communication, which is essential for creating good relations between group members. The goal of this qualitative study is to develop understanding of the importance of social processes and group relations in globally distributed software development, by utilizing literature and earlier research both from software engineering and social sciences.