The Influence of Job Rotation on Motivation and Satisfaction of Software Engineers

Abstract

Context. During the last decades, human factors have become of great interest for many software engineering researchers, considering there are a wide variety of human and social aspects that might affect the way software engineers perform their work. As an example of this, recent research revealed a need for the proper management of two elements, the motivation and the satisfaction of software engineers, in order to achieve higher levels of performance at work. In this context, the Theory of Motivation and Satisfaction of Software Engineers (TMS-SE), recently established, confirms this need and recognizes the difference between these two factors, demonstrating that motivated software engineers are engaged and concentrated, while satisfaction is perceived in terms of happiness at work. Goal. Although having observed a wide diversity of aspects present at the software development environment, the TMS-SE did not specifically address the practice known as Job Rotation, whereby people are constantly switching jobs or projects at the same organization, and the effects of this practice on the motivation and satisfaction of software engineers. Thus, the main goal of this research is to investigate and discuss how the practice of job rotation can influence the motivation and the satisfaction of these individuals. Method. To achieve this goal, a qualitative case study was conducted in a software organization where the practice of job rotation amongst software projects is common. A group of software engineers were interviewed in order to collect data about their experience with this practice. Results. The findings suggest that, in a context in which the rotation of software engineers is frequent, it is necessary to find the balance between the positive and negative factors affecting the engagement and the concentration of these individuals, otherwise, their motivation will be impaired by the increase in the cognitive overload at work. In addition, the lack of feedback, resultant from constant movement among projects and teams, has a direct and negative impact on job satisfaction.