Factors that motivate Maltese software engineers

Abstract

This study aims to help IT companies reducing the employee turnover by identifying those factors which motivate Maltese software engineers. The research initially took a quantitative approach, but the response received from different IT companies operating in Malta was minimal, making statistical analysis unfeasible. For this reason, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach, where 15 Maltese software engineers were asked to participate following a pilot study. The interviews, based on a purposive sampling technique, revealed a set of 35 factors which motivate software engineers. Five experienced participants in the field of Management and/or IT were then asked separately to group these factors into different themes. Since this is a subjective exercise, different people formed different themes with diverse factors. However, following an in-depth analysis of the results, it could be noted that all the themes could be grouped under five categories: Personal Development, Socialising, Management, Work Structure and Environment. It is advised that due to the strong relationship that exists between each theme, a holistic approach of all themes should be taken when dealing with motivation of Maltese software engineers. This study concludes by providing a set of recommendations that companies should adopt to increase the motivational levels of Maltese software engineers. It then proceeds by suggesting avenues for further research in the area of motivation and software engineering.