What does "scaling Agile" refer to in software development?

Scaling Agile refers to the process of adapting Agile methodologies in larger, distributed teams and organizations. As organizations grow, the complexity of coordinating multiple teams working on interconnected projects increases. Scaling Agile allows these organizations to maintain the benefits of Agile—such as flexibility, collaboration, and iterative progress—while accommodating the challenges that come with size and distribution.

This often involves implementing frameworks like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), LeSS (Large Scale Scrum), or Spotify models, which provide structures and practices aimed at aligning teams, enhancing communication, and ensuring that Agile principles are upheld despite the larger scale. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage Agile's adaptability and responsiveness across an entire organization, rather than limiting its application to small teams alone.

Maintaining an undiluted version of Agile, eliminating Agile for efficiency, or focusing exclusively on small teams would not align with the objective of scaling; these approaches would not effectively address the unique challenges posed by larger environments or distributed work settings.