Abstract
This pilot study explores how communication modes, cultural hierarchies (power distance), and emergent leadership influence team performance within small Agile game development teams in a hybrid work environment post-COVID-19. Using surveys across six development milestones among 12 student teams at SMU Guildhall, significant findings revealed that teams utilizing fewer communication modes performed better, and low power distance was associated with increased emergent leadership. Cultural diversity demonstrated a significant, yet directionally inconclusive, association with leadership emergence. These findings underscore practical implications for optimizing communication practices and leadership development in Agile game development settings.
Degree Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Production
Advisor
Dr. Elizabeth Stringer
Second Advisor
Dr. Karl Steiner
Acknowledgements
I’m especially grateful to Dr. Stringer and Dr. Steiner for their guidance throughout this process, and to everyone in C33 and C34 whose support, feedback, and collaboration brought this research to life.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Erickson, Anders X., "Emerging Through the Noise: Communication Modes, Leadership, and Cultural Hierarchies in Agile Game Development" (2025). Production Theses and Dissertations. 5.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_production_etds/5
