A Perspective on the Role of Human Behaviors in Software Development: Voice and Silence

TL;DR

This paper explores how psychological safety and perceived impact influence voice and silence behaviors in software development teams, using empirical survey data and structural equation modeling to validate social science theories in this context.

Contribution

It empirically tests the applicability of social science theories on voice and silence behaviors specifically within software development teams.

Findings

Psychological safety positively correlates with voice behaviors.

Perceived impact reduces silence behaviors.

Theories from social sciences are applicable to software team dynamics.

Abstract

Context: Most software companies strive to have high-performing teams and mitigate withdrawal behaviors like being present but unproductive. In this context, psychological safety and developers perceived impact are suggested as potential drivers of voice and silence behaviors. However, understanding these social aspects of software development entails the incorporation of social science theories . Objective: This study aims to empirically demonstrate whether such a new theory about voice and silence at work actually applies to the software development context. Method: We plan to use a survey questionnaire design. This study will collect data from software development teams and analyze the result using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. It can contribute to extent of the body of knowledge about the topic.