SPA Conference session: What Motivates Software Practitioners?

One-line description:
 
Session format: Workshop (150 mins) [read about the different session types]
 
Abstract:In this workshop, we will use an interactive format based on a combination of well-established elicitation techniques (repertory grid technique) and discussion, to explore motivation in software practice.

Studies in this area suggest that conventional approaches to motivation within the industry might be outdated. They have concentrated on rewards and recognition whereas some experts have identified software engineers as being motivated by the nature of the job, e.g. technical success and challenging technical problems. There are currently a variety of views on what motivates software developers. For example, some claim that programmers and analysts have lower measured needs for social interaction and higher growth needs than the general population, and IT employees are often characterised as a homogeneous group of high achievers.

Over the last year we have been conducting a comprehensive review of studies in this area and the workshop will explore and build on these findings. The objectives of the session are to:

1. share the findings of previous studies into motivation
2. explore individuals' motivators and de-motivators
3. enhance the community's understanding of motivation and how to improve it
 
Audience background:This workshop is suitable for anyone who is interested in motivation in software engineering, as a developer, a manager or a researcher.
 
Benefits of participating:Attendees will get a chance to explore questions such as

What do I enjoy about developing software?
What makes me stay in software development?
What kind of people do I like to work with?
When does software development become a drag?
Why do you enjoy working with the latest tools and technologies?


Attendees will also learn about existing studies in this area both from software engineering and other disciplines (eg psychology, organisational behaviour, job re-design).
 
Materials provided:Copies of slides
Summary report of our previous findings in this area
In addition individual participants will be provided with a form to record their discussions
 
Process:A combination of group working, individual exercises and plenary discussion
 
Detailed timetable:
 
Outputs:Poster at SPA2007
- summarise discussions

Further results will be emailed to interested participants
 
History:A shorter version (90 mins) was run at XP 2006 in Finland
 
Presenters
1. Helen Sharp
The Open University
2. Tracy Hall
University of Hertfordshire
3.