Exploring key factors for cohesion in software development teams

Abstract

Team cohesion plays a significant role in software development, shaping performance and productivity. It fosters strong connections among members working towards a shared objective. Cohesion is a dynamic process influenced by personal, interpersonal and domain-related factors. To identify key drivers of cohesion in software teams, we posed four open-ended questions to 137 industry-experienced developers. Responses most frequently highlighted effective communication, shared goals and mutual support as enablers of better organisation, role clarity and synchronisation, thereby providing structural support for cohesion. Additionally, crisis management, handling external dependencies, conflict resolution and adaptability were cited as foundations for problem-solving. Leadership, recognition and synergy were reported to foster social affinity and receptiveness to peer feedback. Overall, respondents associated cohesion with outcomes such as working affinity, social affinity, dependability, receptiveness to feedback, team-based decision-making and efficiency.