Paths to Testing: Why Women Enter and Remain in Software Testing?

TL;DR

This study explores why women choose and stay in software testing, highlighting motivations like job opportunities and work-life balance, and emphasizing the need for improved inclusiveness to sustain diversity.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into women's motivations and experiences in software testing, informing strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in the field.

Findings

Women enter testing due to job opportunities and work-life balance.

Motivations to stay include delivering quality and continuous learning.

Inclusiveness and career development need improvement.

Abstract

Background. Women bring unique problem-solving skills to software development, often favoring a holistic approach and attention to detail. In software testing, precision and attention to detail are essential as professionals explore system functionalities to identify defects. Recognizing the alignment between these skills and women's strengths can derive strategies for enhancing diversity in software engineering. Goal. This study investigates the motivations behind women choosing careers in software testing, aiming to provide insights into their reasons for entering and remaining in the field. Method. This study used a cross-sectional survey methodology following established software engineering guidelines, collecting data from women in software testing to explore their motivations, experiences, and perspectives. Findings. The findings reveal that women enter software testing due to increased entry-level job opportunities, work-life balance, and even fewer gender stereotypes. Their motivations to stay include the impact of delivering high-quality software, continuous learning opportunities, and the challenges the activities bring to them. However, inclusiveness and career development in the field need improvement for sustained diversity. Conclusion. Preliminary yet significant, these findings offer interesting insights for researchers and practitioners towards the understanding of women's diverse motivations in software testing and how this understanding is important for fostering professional growth and creating a more inclusive and equitable industry landscape.