The Role of Humour in Software Engineering -- A Literature Review and Preliminary Taxonomy

TL;DR

This paper reviews existing literature to develop a taxonomy of humour in software engineering teams, aiming to enhance productivity and well-being while addressing challenges and emphasizing responsible use.

Contribution

It introduces a novel taxonomy categorizing humour in SE, integrating theories and models to guide future research and practice in leveraging humour effectively.

Findings

Humour can improve communication and team cohesion.

Responsible use of humour mitigates potential negative impacts.

Framework aids understanding of humour's role in SE environments.

Abstract

Humour has long been recognized as a key factor in enhancing creativity, group effectiveness, and employee well-being across various domains. However, its occurrence and impact within software engineering (SE) teams remains under-explored. This paper introduces a comprehensive, literature review-based taxonomy exploring the characterisation and use of humour in SE teams, with the goal of boosting productivity, improving communication, and fostering a positive work environment while emphasising the responsible use of humour to mitigate its potential negative impacts. Drawing from a wide array of studies in psychology, sociology, and organizational behaviour, our proposed framework categorizes humour into distinct theories, styles, models, and scales, offering SE professionals and researchers a structured approach to understanding humour in their work. This study also addresses the unique challenges of applying humour in SE, highlighting its potential benefits while acknowledging the need for further empirical validation in this context. Ultimately, our study aims to pave the way for more cohesive, creative, and psychologically supportive SE environments through the strategic use of humour.