How software startup teams reflect: Approaches, triggers and challenges

Abstract

Learning from experience is essential for software startup teams. To obtain experiential learning, reflection should be conducted on experience. The existing research on reflection in software startups is much limited. In this study, we focused on reflection in software startup teams and identified formats, triggers and challenges used in such a context. To achieve this, we defined a conceptual framework of reflection. We conducted a multiple case study and analyzed the data obtained from two software startups. The initial finding shows that software startups do perform reflection of different types based on the factors like team size and collocation. We also found two new formats, three triggers and three challenges of reflection in software startups. Reflection sessions conducted by startups could mean tough moments, confrontations and sometimes involve the ego of team members. To conduct the session, it is important to be open, honest, raise key affair and straight to the point.