Back to Governance in Disciplined Agile

Context-Sensitive Governance

5 minutes 5 Questions

Context-Sensitive Governance is a core concept in the Disciplined Agile framework, recognizing that governance practices should be tailored to the specific context of each team, project, or initiative. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, Context-Sensitive Governance adapts to factors such as team size, project complexity, regulatory environment, and stakeholder needs. This concept acknowledges that different teams and projects may require different levels of oversight and control. For example, a small team working on an internal tool may need minimal governance, while a large team developing a mission-critical system in a regulated industry may require more rigorous oversight. By adjusting governance practices to fit the context, organizations can provide appropriate guidance without imposing unnecessary constraints. Implementing Context-Sensitive Governance involves assessing the unique characteristics of each project and determining the governance approach that best fits. Factors to consider include risk level, compliance requirements, team experience, and stakeholder expectations. Governance practices such as documentation standards, approval processes, and reporting mechanisms are then tailored accordingly. This approach ensures that teams have the freedom to work effectively within their specific environment while still aligning with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. It helps prevent the pitfalls of both under-governance, which can lead to unmanaged risks and compliance issues, and over-governance, which can stifle innovation and slow down delivery. Context-Sensitive Governance promotes agility at scale by fostering a flexible governance framework that adapts to the needs of various teams and projects. It supports the Disciplined Agile principle of “Choice is Good,” empowering teams to choose the practices that work best for them within an agreed-upon governance framework. This leads to increased efficiency, better risk management, and higher satisfaction among team members and stakeholders.

Test mode:
Start practice test
DASM - Governance in Disciplined Agile Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of Context-Sensitive Governance in a Disciplined Agile approach?

Correct Answer: To adapt governance practices based on team size, context, and project requirements

Context-Sensitive Governance in Disciplined Agile adapts governance practices based on the specific situation of each team and project. This is the fundamental principle that makes it effective. The correct answer reflects that governance must be flexible and tailored to factors like team size, organizational context, and project requirements. This aligns with Disciplined Agile's pragmatic approach. The other options are incorrect because: - Standardizing governance practices across all teams contradicts the context-sensitive nature of DA and removes flexibility - Establishing comprehensive rules that all teams must follow is too rigid and goes against DA's adaptive principles - Applying minimal oversight universally is too simplistic and fails to consider varying project needs and risks Context-sensitive governance recognizes that different situations require different approaches, and what works for one team or project may not work for another. This flexibility enables teams to choose the most appropriate governance practices while maintaining necessary control and oversight.

Question 2

Which statement best describes how Context-Sensitive Governance operates in large-scale agile transformations?

Correct Answer: It adapts governance practices based on the organization's current situation and maturity level

Context-Sensitive Governance in large-scale agile transformations adapts governance practices based on organizational context, maturity, and current needs. This approach recognizes that organizations evolve and require different levels of oversight and control at different stages. The correct answer reflects the core principle of Context-Sensitive Governance - flexibility and adaptation based on organizational maturity and needs. The other options are incorrect because: - Implementing standardized frameworks across all teams fails to account for different team contexts and maturity levels - Enforcing rigid governance policies contradicts agile principles and can hinder transformation success - Maintaining the same governance structure throughout transformation overlooks the evolutionary nature of organizational change and varying needs at different stages

Question 3

In Context-Sensitive Governance, what role do organizational policies play in a Disciplined Agile approach?

Correct Answer: They provide flexible guidelines that adapt based on team context and organizational needs

In Context-Sensitive Governance within Disciplined Agile, organizational policies serve as flexible, adaptable guidelines that can be tailored to specific team contexts and organizational needs. This aligns with DA's core principle of context-sensitivity. The correct answer emphasizes flexibility and adaptation based on context, which is fundamental to DA's approach to governance. The other options are incorrect because: - Mandatory checkpoints and strict approval processes contradict DA's emphasis on lightweight governance and team empowerment - Standardized procedures that must be followed by all teams oppose DA's context-sensitive approach - Maximum control and compliance measures conflict with DA's focus on lean governance and team autonomy DA recognizes that different teams and situations require different approaches, so governance must be flexible enough to accommodate various contexts while still providing meaningful guidance.

Go Premium

Disciplined Agile Scrum Master Preparation Package (2024)

  • 2040 Superior-grade Disciplined Agile Scrum Master practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless DASM preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Context-Sensitive Governance questions
7 questions (total)
Start 7 question test