Research Data for The Unseen Hand: An Empirical Investigation of GeopoliticalInfluence on Software Project Management

Contemporary software development teams often operate in a globalized environment, bringing together individuals from diverse geographical backgrounds. Despite the benefits of cultural diversity, this fosters challenges related to cultural gaps, language barriers, and interpersonal conflicts. In this study, we investigate the impact of geopolitics understanding how geography shapes power dynamics in international relations- on software development teams. We examine how it affects the interrelation and personality conflicts among members of software development teams, as well as developers' working environment, decision-making, and mental health conditions. To achieve this goal, we conducted an empirical investigation using a mixed-method study comprising a survey and semi-structured interview. We surveyed 103 active developers and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 senior engineers and project managers from five countries. Our findings revealed that: 1. Geopolitical factors significantly impact team dynamics A striking 72.8% of developers acknowledged geopolitics' influence on their team relationships. 2. Geopolitical strain on mental health and fairness :Worryingly, 32% of participants reported that geopolitical factors have adversely affected their mental health, causing increased racism and discrimination in promotion and salary decisions. In response to the identified issues, our study participants proposed various potential solutions and mitigation strategies, including implementing diverse hiring practices, reviewing and adjusting organizational policies to minimize salary disparities, and fostering cross-cultural team building to mitigate geopolitical influences. This study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for project managers and organizational stakeholders, empowering them to address potential geopolitical challenges proactively and optimize the working environment for inclusively and collaboration.