Scrum guide · Scaling and learning
What Is Scrum@Scale? Structure, Roles and Cycles
Scrum@Scale is a framework for scaling Scrum across an organisation, created by Jeff Sutherland, co-creator of Scrum. It aims to extend Scrum with a minimal, "scale-free" structure that works the same way at every level.
Key takeaways
- Scrum@Scale scales Scrum through networks of teams.
- It has a Scrum Master cycle (how) and a Product Owner cycle (what).
- The Executive Action Team and MetaScrum connect teams with leadership.
Core idea
Scrum@Scale scales by linking teams into networks. Teams of about five are grouped into a Scrum of Scrums; Scrums of Scrums are grouped into larger groups, and so on. Each level runs on the same Scrum principles.
Two cycles
| Cycle | Focus | Key roles and structures |
|---|---|---|
| Scrum Master cycle | How: delivery and process improvement | Scrum of Scrums, Scrum of Scrums Master, Executive Action Team |
| Product Owner cycle | What: vision, priorities and backlog | Chief Product Owner, MetaScrum, Executive MetaScrum |
Key components
- Scrum of Scrums and its facilitator, the Scrum of Scrums Master.
- Executive Action Team (EAT): leaders who remove organisational impediments and own the agile transformation.
- MetaScrum: a forum where Product Owners and stakeholders align priorities across teams.
- Executive MetaScrum: the top-level MetaScrum that sets organisational priorities.
- Chief Product Owner: coordinates priorities across several Product Owners.
Scrum@Scale vs other frameworks
| Scrum@Scale | SAFe | LeSS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Scale-free networks of Scrum teams | Comprehensive enterprise framework | Minimal extension of Scrum |
| Leadership structure | Executive Action Team and MetaScrum | Portfolio and ART roles | Few new roles |
| Best for | Organisations wanting Scrum at every level | Large enterprises needing structure | Product groups willing to simplify |
Frequently asked questions
Who created Scrum@Scale?
Jeff Sutherland, co-creator of Scrum, developed Scrum@Scale. Its official guide is published by Scrum Inc.
Is Scrum@Scale the same as Scrum of Scrums?
No. The Scrum of Scrums is one component of Scrum@Scale.
What is Scrum@Scale?
A framework created by Jeff Sutherland for scaling Scrum across an organisation, using networks of Scrum Teams that work the same way at every level.
What is the Executive Action Team in Scrum@Scale?
In Scrum@Scale, a group of leaders who remove impediments the teams cannot solve and own the organisation's agile transformation.
What is a MetaScrum in Scrum@Scale?
A forum in Scrum@Scale where Product Owners and stakeholders align priorities and a single backlog across several teams.
What does the Chief Product Owner do in Scrum@Scale?
A role in Scrum@Scale that coordinates priorities across the Product Owners of teams in a Scrum of Scrums.
What does scale-free mean in Scrum@Scale?
That the same structure, small teams coordinated by a Scrum of Scrums, repeats at every level, so the organisation can grow without adding new kinds of structure.
What are the two cycles in Scrum@Scale?
The Scrum Master cycle, which focuses on how work is delivered and improved, and the Product Owner cycle, which focuses on what is built and why.
How is Scrum@Scale different from SAFe?
Scrum@Scale is a minimal extension built from Scrum's own structures, while SAFe is a more detailed enterprise framework with many defined roles and events. See SAFe.
How is Scrum@Scale different from LeSS?
Both aim to stay close to Scrum. LeSS keeps one Product Owner and one Product Backlog for several teams, while Scrum@Scale adds structures such as the Executive Action Team and MetaScrum. See LeSS.
Is there a Scrum@Scale certification?
Yes. Scrum Inc. offers Scrum@Scale training and certification. Check its official site for current options.