Motivated humans for reliable software products

Abstract This paper focuses on the software engineer, as opposed to some software engineering discipline. The author's worldwide experience in software development has resulted in concluding that the vast majority of problems encountered while developing software are more people oriented rather than technology based. Therefore, for there to be any improvements in the reliability of software, it may be wise to revisit some of the people issues, otherwise, even the best methods, tools and techniques will not make an impact on the software development process so as to result in higher levels of software quality. Many are the problems which the software engineer is faced with while trying to piece together the complex information systems that the current global market dictates. Lack of office space and engineer concentration, unpaid overtime, non-productive meeting cultures, performance appraisals and absence of team work all contribute to the demotivation of the software engineer. Trying to introduce a new tool or a new technique to a demotivated staff is simply a waste of time. Thus, it is of paramount importance to realize that in the labour intensive software development world, the focus must first be on the human factor. Basic human nature has not changed over the years, therefore, the author sought out solutions from the past regarding the management of people, so as to be applied today in the development of software. This paper concludes with a ‘euphoria quadrant’ so as to provide a simple means for software producing units to gauge their management style and their overall working environment.