Action-embedded transformational leadership in self-managing global information systems development teams

While software development teams are becoming more and more distributed around the globe, most software development methodologies used by global teams prescribe selfmanaging teams. Transformational leadership is the key to successful information systems development and use for competitive advantage. Yet, little is known about transformational leadership in self-managing global information systems development team settings. This study answers the research question of how leaders emerge and strategically influence systems development in self-managing global information systems development teams. This question is answered with a grounded theory study of Apache Open Source Software development teams. A theoretical model of action-embedded transformational leadership is developed to demonstrate how leaders emerge and strategically influence systems development efforts through their leadership, which is embedded in their work-related actions. 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.