Title: A Little Information Can Be A Dangerous
Thing for Software Developers
Abstract: This paper
examines how information can detrimentally affect a project team. Traditionally,
more information is regarded as a positive thing - as an enabler or asset.
Although there are many examples of the beneficial aspects of information,
this paper explains how information ultimately led to conflict within a software
development team. Cognitive dissonance, a theory that describes how individuals
avoid information that is contrary to their beliefs, was enkindled by information
provided to the project team by the project manager. Although the initial
purpose of the research did not involve an investigation of information,
it became clear through observation and interviews that its impact was not
positive.
Authors: John McAvoy
and Tom Butler