Search the World's Largest Database of Information Science & Technology Terms & Definitions
InfInfoScipedia LogoScipedia
A Free Service of IGI Global Publishing House
Below please find a list of definitions for the term that
you selected from multiple scholarly research resources.

What is Conway’s Law

Chapter 7
Handbook of Research on Socio-Technical Design and Social Networking Systems
Argument proposed by Melvin Conway in 1968 that argues that the software structure will be stamped out with the communication structure of the organization because the communication needs of those doing the work are inevitably reflected in the system.
Published in Chapter:
On the Alignment of Organizational and Software Structure
Cleidson R.B. de Souza (Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil) and David F. Redmiles (Univeristy of California, Irvine, USA)
Copyright: © 2009 |Pages: 11
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-264-0.ch007
Abstract
This chapter reviews the socio-technical relationship between organizational and software structure. It describes the early theoretical work about this relationship, the empirical studies that identified this relationship in practice and, more importantly, identifies two main approaches for exploring this relationship. The first one is based on the construction of tools to facilitate software development, while the second is a more theoretical one aimed at investigating the consequences of this relationship in the work of software developers. Furthermore, the authors hope the theoretical background presented in this chapter will not only motivate other researchers to study software development as a socio-technical endeavor, but also assist practitioners in the understanding of the aspects necessary to make software development succeed.
Full Text Chapter Download: US $37.50 Add to Cart
eContent Pro Discount Banner
InfoSci OnDemandECP Editorial ServicesAGOSR