The present master's thesis examines the success factors and challenges associated with the implementation of agile working in hierarchically organized companies in Austria. Given the increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA world), traditional management principles are often no longer sufficient to cope with rapid changes and high adaptation pressure. Companies need to develop new working methods and more flexible organizational models to remain competitive. The introduction of agile working promises significant advantages such as increased innovation capability, shortened time to market, and improved corporate culture. Nevertheless, implementation remains problematic in many companies, particularly due to cultural and structural barriers. The thesis is divided into several chapters, starting with the introduction, which explains the problem statement and objectives. This is followed by the theoretical foundations, which cover the concept of agile working, the VUCA world, agile values and principles, as well as the most common agile methods and frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban. Additionally, the organizational and cultural peculiarities of Austrian companies and the characteristics and challenges of hierarchically organized companies are discussed. The empirical research is based on a comprehensive literature review and guided expert interviews. The interviews were conducted with seven experts who have several years of experience in the field of agile working in Austrian hierarchical organizations. The qualitative content analysis according to Philipp Mayring was applied to systematically analyze the collected data and extract key findings. The results of the thesis show that the introduction of agile working in hierarchically organized companies is hindered by a variety of structural and cultural barriers. Rigid hierarchies, complex approval processes, technical debt, and lack of risk management are central structural obstacles. Cultural barriers such as resistance to change, lack of executive support, communication barriers, and a lack of error culture exacerbate these challenges. The empirical results confirm the theoretical foundations and provide additional insights into the specific strategies and approaches that Austrian companies use to successfully implement agile working. Pilot projects, evolutionary approaches, and engaging employees where they are crucial. Training and workshops are essential to create a common understanding of agile methods. Strong management commitment and regular communication are also necessary to anchor agile working in the company. In conclusion, the thesis shows that the introduction of agile working in hierarchically structured companies in Austria can be successfully mastered through targeted strategies and continuous adaptation. The challenges are diverse, but they can be overcome through strong management commitment and comprehensive knowledge transfer.
Erfolgsfaktoren und Herausforderungen bei der Einführung von Agilität in österreichischen hierarchisch organisierten Unternehmen
Dorfmayr, P. (Author). 2025
Student thesis: Master's Thesis