University of Twente Student Theses
An investigation of trust in agile teams : a mixed method study through the lens of goal-setting theory
Buis, Kieran (2025) An investigation of trust in agile teams : a mixed method study through the lens of goal-setting theory.
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| Abstract: | In today’s rapidly evolving environment, public organizations must adapt quickly to new challenges despite constraints such as hierarchical structures, bureaucratic decision-making, and shifting political contexts. The use of agile methodologies and self-managing teams enables organizations to respond more effectively to change, with trust in management being a crucial factor in their success. However, research on the key factors facilitating agile adoption in public organizations remains limited. Drawing on goal-setting theory, this study examines trust in management as a potential mediator between goal clarity and team performance, goal commitment, and organizational commitment while also exploring transparent communication as a potential moderator between goal clarity and trust in management. Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 70 survey participants and eight interviewees. Quantitative findings indicate that goal clarity positively affects team performance and goal commitment but not organizational commitment. Trust in management does not mediate these relationships but has a direct positive effect on organizational and goal commitment. Additionally, transparent communication moderates the relationship between goal clarity and trust in management. Qualitative findings reveal three key dimensions: (1) Barriers to trust in management, (2) Positive outcomes of trust in management, and (3) Trust enablers, providing deeper insight into the observed relationships. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of agile self-managing teams in public organizations by firstly examining the factors that influence trust in management and its impact on performance and commitment outcomes in an agile setting, and secondly by introducing goal-setting theory in an agile context, addressing the unique challenges faced by public organizations. Managers should focus on setting clear goals and communicating them transparently to the teams to improve the success of self-managing teams. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105253 |
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