diff --git a/start-as-experiment.md b/start-as-experiment.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6551d5c3e --- /dev/null +++ b/start-as-experiment.md @@ -0,0 +1,114 @@ +# Title + +Start as an Experiment + +# Patlet + + +# Problem + +An InnerSource initiative is considered but not started because management is +unsure about its outcome and, as a result, is not willing to commit to an +investment. + +# Context + +The company is considering to leverage InnerSource to increase the efficiency +of collaboration on software projects. However, most managers are not familiar +with the Open Source working model and are instead accustomed to hierarchical, +top-down control style management. The idea of InnerSource is very popular with +software developers in the company, not the least because many developers use +or are actively developing Open Source software. + +# Forces + +- Managers will want to validate the claims of improved collaboration through + InnerSource before making a long term investment. This usually involves + measuring the improvements. +- If the InnerSource initiative will likely have a huge uptake among developers + and if many projects are likely to rely on it, a decision to shut it down + will be very unpopular and therefore hard to make. The perceived resulting + loss of control might deter some managers to even start with InnerSource. +- Implementing InnerSource style working models are often a radically departure + from previously practiced working models. It is therefore likely, that + existing, mandatory processes are no longer applicable and that appropriate + governing processes are missing. The result might be that one has to operate + in a regulatory, sometimes legal no-mans land. Examples are tax and export + control related regulations in large corporations with multiple legal + entities in multiple countries. + +# Solution + +Declare the InnerSource initiative as a time limited experiment. Define and +communicate the criteria for projects to join the InnerSource experiment. The +criteria should be chosen such that they maximize the chances of building a +healthy InnerSource community around the selected InnerSource projects. They +should also help to ensure that the setting of the projects is such that they +can later be used to gain externally valid insights into the effects of +applying InnerSource. Examples for such criteria are + +- Sufficient geographical distribution of developers +- Sufficient departmental mix of developers, +- Openness of communication within community, +- Career path based on merit within community, +- Democratic decision making within community. + +Consider designating the end of the experiment a _pivot_, _change_ or _pause_ +point to re-evaluate. Also consider establishing a [Review +Committee](review-committee.md) to increase the chances of management buy-in +through participation. Depending on company culture, it might be helpful to +accompany the experiment with appropriate metrics [First Steps With +Metrics](introducing-metrics-in-innersource.md). If the projects in the +experiment don't provide a direct impact on the companies revenue, consider +introducing [Cross Team Valuation](crossteam-project-valuation.md) to highlight +their value contributions. + +# Resulting Context + +Managers are able to kick start InnerSource for the following reasons: + +- The experimental setup eases the need of managers to scrutinize the + InnerSource program numbers in the same way that they would for typical + projects. +- The possibility of failure of the experiment is understood and accepted. The + personal risk for the supporting managers is minimized. +- Even in case of a failure, the setup ensures that the company will learn from + the experiment. +- In case of success, the data gathered during the experiment will allow + managers to make a longer lasting commitment to InnerSource. + +Participants in the InnerSource experiment are now conscious of the fact that +they have to prove to management that InnerSource yields the promised benefits. +It will therefore help to focus work on those activites which provide the most +demonstrable value thus increasing the chances of success. + +Finally, starting as an experiment makes it much easier to sidestep regulations +and forces such as tool and process policies which could decrease the chances +of success. + +# Related Patterns + +- _Trial Run_ (from the book [_Fearless + Change_](http://www.fearlesschangepatterns.com/)) + +# Known Instances + +- Robert Bosch GmbH (globally distributed software development) + +# Author + +- Georg Grütter (Robert Bosch GmbH) + +# Status + +Proven Pattern + +# Acknowledgements + +- Jason Zink (Robert Bosch GmbH) +- Diogo Fregonese (Robert Bosch GmbH) +- Robert Hansel (Robert Bosch GmbH) +- Hans Malte Kern (Robert Bosch GmbH) +- Russ Rutledge (Nike) +- Tim Yao (Nokia) +- Clint Cain (Optum)