Fast Code, Fragile Culture
An Organizational Behavior Perspective on How Systems Shape Tech Teams and Community Outcomes
Modern development environments—accelerated by AI tools, open source engagement, and continuous delivery practices—have shifted how technology is built and maintained. While these shifts drive incredible productivity gains, they also influence what work is seen, valued, and rewarded. Metrics and systems designed for efficiency can unintentionally shape behavior in ways that affect psychological safety, motivation, and long-term engagement.
This session examines these dynamics through an organizational behavior lens, focusing on how recognition practices, incentives, and performance metrics within technology organizations influence human behavior and cultural resilience. Rather than framing outcomes like burnout or disengagement as individual shortcomings, the talk reframes them as predictable responses to systemic cues created by default measurement and reward structures.
Attendees will explore why critical yet often invisible contributions—such as coordination, documentation, review work, and community support—are overlooked, how these gaps impact organizational culture, and what design choices can help create environments where people and productivity thrive together. Drawing on real-world observations and practical frameworks, the session will provide insights and strategies for tech professionals, open source contributors, and organizational leaders to intentionally design recognition systems that make work visible, equitable, and sustainable.
