Motivation in Software Engineering: A Systematic--Literature Review

Abstract

This research presents a systematic literature review of motivation in Software Engineering. The objective is to report on what motivates and de-motivates developers, and how existing models address motivation. The majority of studies find Software Engineers form a distinguishable occupational group. Results indicate that Software Engineers are likely to be motivated according to: their 'characteristics' (e.g., their need for variety); internal 'controls' (e.g., their personality) and external 'moderators' (e.g., their career stage). Models of motivation in Software Engineering are disparate and do not reflect the complex needs of Software Engineers in their different career stages, cultural and environmental settings.