How can individuals in agile teams act and decide independently while at the same time being fully committed to team success through self-organization?

Judith Armbruster, an experienced agile coach and doctoral researcher, explores exactly this tension in her academic work. She combines theory with practical insights from her role as Head of People and Communication at a software development company. Her doctoral thesis, “Autonomy as a Motivational Factor in Agile Project Teams”, examines the multifaceted nature of this concept. At the 34th IPMA World Congress, Armbruster will present her latest findings in her session “Unleashing Autonomy: Perspectives on Experienced Autonomy of Individuals in Agile Teams”, highlighting how autonomy is subjectively experienced by individuals in agile settings and the unique dynamics that arise.

Contrary to the widespread belief that people always strive for more autonomy, Armbruster’s research shows that the key lies in the right framework. One dimension, “autonomy for sharing,” emphasizes the desire to co-create work, learn from one another, and focus on collective growth and social interaction. Another perspective, “autonomy for learning and working,” stresses the balance between continuous personal development and delivering results. Finally, “autonomy for shaping” highlights creativity within clear boundaries—autonomy that allows individuals to innovate, but within well-defined frameworks and limits.

Autonomy is considered a fundamental psychological need and a key factor for workplace motivation. Especially in agile environments, where principles such as self-organization and empowerment are embedded, fostering autonomy plays a critical role. Understanding and supporting individuals’ needs for autonomy is essential to improving collaboration and adjusting leadership practices in ways that create a motivating and engaging work environment. In practice, Armbruster observed that people in agile teams often thrive when their autonomy is recognized—they show greater commitment, stronger engagement, and higher levels of workplace satisfaction.

Interestingly, research also shows that the experience of autonomy is not always entirely positive. While most situations described by participants in her study were perceived as beneficial, there were also cases with mixed effects. In new or unfamiliar contexts—such as unfamiliar tasks or joining a new team—individuals may initially feel overwhelmed or insecure. Yet, over time, such challenges often lead to valuable learning experiences. This supports the idea that real development often happens outside of one’s comfort zone.

Another notable finding is the crucial role of onboarding and team integration. Even small tasks with limited autonomy can be extremely positive for newcomers, as they provide early moments of success. In addition, team routines create a sense of security and ensure smooth information flow, offering orientation and supporting decision-making. In this way, agile teamwork principles can provide individuals with an appropriate and empowering framework.

This session will give project leaders, managers, and team members concrete, practice-oriented insights into how to better understand and actively foster experienced autonomy in their daily work. It will deepen understanding of how autonomy is perceived differently by each individual and how these perspectives can be supported to sustainably improve collaboration. Leaders will gain guidance on when to step back and let self-organization flourish, and when their intervention is needed to provide clear boundaries. The research also offers a framework for experienced autonomy and a set of reflection tools teams can use to analyze their own autonomy experience. Moreover, these findings are not limited to agile teams—many of the principles also apply to traditional or hybrid project approaches, as core communication values and practices often overlap.

The 34th IPMA World Congress 2025 in Berlin will bring together project leaders, innovators, and change-makers from all over the world. Be part of the conversations that will shape the future of project management.

Discover more and secure your place: www.worldcongress-ipma.com/en