Spotify has adopted a unique development model known as the ‘Spotify Model’ to encourage innovation, autonomy, and speed. This model, consisting of Squads, Tribes, Chapters, and Guilds, is designed to maximise communication and collaboration while minimising bureaucracy.
Squads are autonomous, cross-functional teams with end-to-end responsibilities for a specific area of the product. Each squad has a mission and long-term goals, with the freedom to determine their own ways of working.
Tribes are collections of squads that work in related areas. They are led by a Tribe Lead who is responsible for creating a productive environment for the squads.
Chapters are groups of specialists from different squads, such as testers or web developers, who share knowledge and best practices. They are led by a Chapter Lead, who is also a line manager.
Guilds are informal, wide-reaching groups with shared interests, such as leadership or continuous delivery. They are open to anyone and provide a platform for sharing knowledge and tools.
Despite its popularity, the Spotify Model is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a flexible framework that can be adapted to fit different organisational contexts and cultures. Spotify itself has evolved the model over time, emphasising that it is a journey, not a destination.
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