A Mixed Methods Study in the Expression of Flow, SOAR, and Motivation: Developing Individual Transcendence within the Delivery of Complex Systems Integration Projects

This mixed methods study is the first known empirical analysis of flow in an SAP project environment. The focal point of this study was the convergence of flow, SOAR, motivation, and the overarching importance of improving the occurrence of project success. The focus was on complex SAP system integration projects; however, the information provided by this study may be used to improve project success in most other project delivery initiatives. In addition to the practical applications, this study adds to the expanding body of knowledge relating to Positive Organizational Scholarship. The contribution includes a quantitative and qualitative research into flow and its relevance in a project setting, the experiential importance of SOAR principles in a project environment, the distinction and relevance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the integral relationships among flow, SOAR, motivation, and project success.;The importance of successful projects to organizations initiated the consideration of factors that differentiate successful versus unsuccessful projects. The concept of flow as proposed by Csikszentmihalyi (1988) piqued interest as both a solution and a research opportunity. The SOAR Framework and its focus on strategy aligned nicely with this objective. The study results support the perceived assumption that flow is a phenomenon in and significant predictor of successful SAP projects. The study of projects and the factors contributing to their success are important since projects provide the mechanism by which organizations implement strategies. Based on the results of this study, project stakeholders should consider the importance of flow, SOAR, and intrinsic motivation in the delivery of successful projects.