本論文旨在於調查臺灣研究生對於在臺灣文化背景下實施敏捷團隊實踐的看法。本研究首先為敏捷性以及其相關的概念與基本原則建立了理論背景、接著探討對敏捷團隊合作實施的潛在文化影響因素。再者、本文總結了對臺灣研究生的定性訪談結果，並將這些結論與論文第三章節的理論背景做聯結。調查結果顯示、臺灣文化中對等級結構的強調可能成為實施敏捷團隊實踐的最大阻礙。 此外、也可以發現在群體中建立心理安全感和信任的重要性、由於其能降低其他的文化因素（包括面子或關係）所產生的潛在約束。總體而言、臺灣研究生認為較年輕一代在挑戰某些既定文化概念上更有信心；然而、在臺灣文化中所存在對等級制度根深蒂固的尊重依然可能是引入敏捷性最具挑戰性的面向。

This thesis aims to investigate the perception of Taiwanese graduate students towards the implementation of agile team practices in the Taiwanese cultural context. First, the research establishes a theoretical background for the concept of agility as well as some relevant underlying principles. Furthermore, potential cultural influences on agile teamwork implementation are discussed. Second, the findings of the qualitative interviews with Taiwanese graduate students are summarized which are subsequently linked to the theoretical background in the third part of the thesis. The findings indicate that the importance of hierarchical structures in the Taiwanese culture may turn out to be the largest barrier when implementing agile team practices. Moreover, the results show the significance of creating psychological safety and trust in groups as it lowers the potential restraint of other cultural concepts including saving face or guanxi. Overall, Taiwanese graduate students perceive the young generation to get more confident in challenging certain cultural concepts, however, the deeply rooted aspect of respecting hierarchies may be the most challenging aspect of introducing agility in the Taiwanese cultural context.

Thesis validation letter i
摘要 ii
Abstract iii
Table of Contents iv
Table of Figures v
Table of Tables v
1 Introduction 1
2 The concept of agility 3
2.1 Definition 4
2.2 The Agile Manifesto 5
2.3 Principle 11: Self-managed teams 7
2.4 Principle 5: Creating an environment of trust and motivation 9
2.5 Principle 6: Direct, face-to-face communication 10
2.6 Principle 12: Regular reflection and feedback 11
2.7 Real-life examples of agile work teams 12
Spotify 12
APMG International 13
3 Taiwanese culture and agile principles 14
4 Research methodology 17
4.1 Qualitative interviews 17
4.2 Sample 18
4.3 Interview process 18
4.4 Data analysis 19
5 Interview findings 20
5.1 Background 20
5.2 Self-managed teams 20
5.3 Trust and psychological safety 24
5.4 Communication 26
5.5 Feedback 27
6 Discussion 29
7 Conclusion 33
8 Bibliography 35
Appendix A: Interview guideline 43
Appendix B: Category system 45
Appendix C: Interview transcripts 47
Interview A 47
Interview B 53
Interview C 58
Interview D 62

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