Mobilizing adaptive competences in hackathon teams

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying the competences mobilized by team members in a Hackathon in the light of the adaptability theory, through a qualitative research with participants of an event organized by the Public Ministry of a state in Northeast Brazil to propose solutions to combat corruption. The data collection procedures involved non-participant observation and fourteen semi-structured interviews with members of five of the twenty teams that participated in the event. Five adaptive competences mobilized by the team members were identified: theoretical-practical knowledge; self-learning; problem solving; socio-emotional adaptability; and situational leadership. The findings contribute to the elaboration of management and people development programs in open innovation environments.