Can diversity in global software development be enhanced by agile software development?

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the notion of diversity in software development processes in general and its relevance with respect to global software development (GSD) in particular. Based on the following two working assumptions: a) diversity benefits with communities and organizations that welcome it and b) diversity is an inherited element of GSD, we discuss how agile software development, which allows for diversity, may support GSD processes. We illustrate this argument by demonstrating the expression of gender diversity, management diversity and opinion diversity in agile software development environments.