How Does SAFe Differ From LeSS?

During a practice meeting at my organization, a team member mentioned taking a class on LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum). Many questions were asked as to how LeSS differed from SAFe. I volunteered to present a comparison in a later meeting. The larger Agile community might benefit from this information as well. The below article will attempt to answer the following questions:

• What are the differences?  
• Why do companies choose one over the other?
• How do the roles differ?
• How do the events differ?
• How do the certifications?
• What percentage of organizations use SAFe vs. LeSS?
• Does the organizational structure differ?
• What are the pros and cons of implementation?
• What is the average cost and time of education?
• What is the average time to fully implement?
• When was SAFe vs. LeSS published?
• Geographically, where is SAFe vs. LeSS being adopted?

What Are the Differences Between SAFe and LeSS Frameworks?  

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) and LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) are both frameworks used for scaling Agile practices to large organizations, but they have different approaches and principles.

• SAFe emphasizes a more prescriptive approach, providing detailed guidance and structure for implementing Agile at scale. For example, SAFe defines three levels of planning and execution: portfolio, program, and team, and offers specific roles, artifacts, and ceremonies for each level. It also includes Lean-Agile principles, such as Lean systems thinking, Agile development, and Lean portfolio management.
• On the other hand, LeSS emphasizes simplicity and adapting to each organization's unique context. It promotes a single-team mindset, emphasizing that all teams should work towards a shared goal and collaborate closely. LeSS defines two frameworks: basic LeSS, which is for up to eight teams, and LeSS Huge, which can support up to thousands of team members.

Why Do Companies Choose One Over the Other?

The choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on several factors, such as the organization's size, culture, and goals. For example, companies with a more traditional management culture that want a more prescriptive approach may prefer SAFe. In contrast, those with a more Agile mindset and desire more flexibility may prefer LeSS. SAFe is generally better suited for larger organizations, while LeSS may be more appropriate for smaller or mid-sized organizations. Ultimately, the decision between SAFe and LeSS should be based on the organization's specific needs and goals and involve carefully considering and evaluating both frameworks.

How Do the Roles Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

How Do the Events Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

In SAFe, there are three levels of planning and execution: Portfolio, Program, and Team. Each level has its own set of events.

In LeSS, the key events are:

SAFe and LeSS have similar events such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-up, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. However, SAFe also includes additional events such as Portfolio Kanban, Portfolio Sync, and PI Planning, while LeSS includes events such as the Overall Retrospective and the Sprint Review (Whole-Group). The choice of events to use will depend on the specific needs of the organization and the scale of the Agile implementation.

How Do the Certifications Differ From SAFe to LeSS?

Both frameworks offer different certifications to help practitioners develop their skills and knowledge. Here are some key differences between the certifications offered by SAFe and LeSS:

Overall, the certifications offered by SAFe and LeSS differ in their focus, approach, and requirements. However, both frameworks offer valuable tools and practices for implementing agile at scale, and certification can help practitioners develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

What Percentage of Organizations Use SAFe vs. LeSS?

There is no definitive answer to what percentage of organizations use SAFe vs. LeSS, as there is no publicly available data on this topic. It can vary depending on factors such as industry, size of the organization, and geographical location.

However, according to some surveys and reports, SAFe is more widely adopted than LeSS. For example, the 14th Annual State of Agile Report by VersionOne found that SAFe was the most popular scaling framework, used by 30% of respondents, while LeSS was used by 6%. Similarly, a survey by Agile Alliance found that SAFe was the most used scaling framework, used by 29% of respondents, while LeSS was used by 6%. It's worth noting that both SAFe and LeSS have their proponents and critics, and the choice of scaling framework depends on various factors, including the organization's goals, culture, and context. Therefore, it's essential to evaluate each framework's strengths and weaknesses and choose the one that best fits the organization's needs.

Is the Organizational Structure Different Between SAFe and LeSS?

Yes, the organizational structure in SAFe and LeSS can differ in some ways. However, both frameworks are designed to help large organizations scale Agile principles and practices.

In SAFe, the framework is designed around three levels of organizational structure:

LeSS is:

Overall, while both SAFe and LeSS are designed to help organizations scale Agile practices, they have different approaches to organizational structure, with SAFe being more hierarchical and LeSS emphasizing a flatter, decentralized structure.

How Does the Organizational Structure Between SAFe and LeSS Differ?

While both SAFe and LeSS are designed to help organizations scale Agile practices, they have different approaches to organizational structure, and how they address organizational change can differ.

SAFe:

• Emphasizes a virtual reporting structure, where Agile teams are organized into Agile Release Trains (ARTs), which are virtual teams that work together to deliver value.
• The ARTs are aligned with the organization's strategic goals and have clear accountability for the value they deliver.
• SAFe encourages organizations to keep the existing reporting structure in place but to establish new roles and responsibilities that support Agile practices.

LeSS:

• Emphasizes a physical, organizational change, where organizations restructure themselves to be organized around products or product lines rather than functional or departmental silos.
• It recommended that organizations adopt a flat, decentralized structure, with all teams working as part of a single product development effort.
• LeSS emphasizes that this physical reorganization is essential to break down barriers and silos between teams and foster collaboration and innovation.

While both SAFe and LeSS can require some organizational change, they have different approaches to addressing it. For example, SAFe emphasizes a virtual reporting structure, while LeSS emphasizes a physical, organizational change to break down silos and foster collaboration.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Implementing SAFe vs. LeSS?

Implementing SAFe vs. LeSS has several pros and cons. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of each framework:

The choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on the organization's specific needs, context, and goals. SAFe may be a better fit for organizations that need a more structured approach to scale Agile practices. In comparison, LeSS may be a better fit for organizations prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What Is the Average Cost and Time of Education for SAFe vs. LeSS?

The cost and time of education for SAFe vs. LeSS can vary depending on several factors, such as the level of certification or training, the location, and the training provider. However, here are some general estimates based on the most common training programs:

It's important to note that these estimates are only general guidelines, and the actual cost and time of education can vary depending on several factors. Organizations may also incur additional costs for implementing SAFe or LeSS, such as hiring consultants or trainers, purchasing tools or software, and investing in infrastructure and resources to support Agile practices.

What Is the Average Time to Fully Implement SAFe vs. LeSS?

The time to fully implement SAFe or LeSS can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the organization, the level of experience with Agile practices, and the level of commitment from leadership and teams. However, here are some general estimates based on the most common implementation programs:

It's important to note that these estimates are only general guidelines, and the actual time to fully implement SAFe or LeSS can vary depending on several factors. Additionally, organizations may implement these frameworks in phases, starting with a pilot project or a specific business unit and gradually expanding to other parts of the organization. Nevertheless, this approach can help manage the complexity and risk of implementing Agile practices at scale.

When Was SAFe vs. LeSS Published?

Since their initial publication, SAFe and LeSS has evolved and expanded to incorporate new ideas, best practices, and feedback from the Agile community. Today, both frameworks have a significant following and are widely used by organizations worldwide.

Geographically, Where is SAFe vs. LeSS Being Adopted?

Both frameworks have been translated into multiple languages, and active communities of users and practitioners worldwide exist. However, adopting either framework may depend on factors such as the local business culture, regulatory environment, and availability of trained professionals.

References

• 15 Bureaucratic Leadership Style Advantages and Disadvantages
• Agile Software Requirements: Lean Requirements Practices for Teams
• Petrini, Stefano, and Jorge Muniz. "Scrum Management Approach Applied In Aerospace Sector." IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Jan. 2014, p. 434.
• Scaling Lean & Agile Development: Thinking and Organizational Tools for 
• Scrum Fundamentals Certified exam Answers - Everything Trending.