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[Workload in software development work. A consideration based on work-characteristics and analysis on workload
1Department of Information Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo.
Sangyo Igaku. Japanese Journal of Industrial Health
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Software engineers experience high workloads, with ambiguity in job specifications being a major stressor. This ambiguity stems from complex communication and inadequate tools, significantly impacting software development work.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Software Engineering
- Psychology
Context:
- Software development is a demanding field with unique workload challenges.
- Previous studies indicated varying stress levels across industries.
- This research focuses on Japanese software engineers to understand specific workload factors.
Purpose:
- To identify and analyze key workload factors affecting software engineers.
- To quantify the impact of stressors like time pressure and job ambiguity.
- To categorize software engineer work groups based on fatigue and stress indicators.
Summary:
- A study surveyed 823 software engineers in Japan using the Cumulative Fatigue Symptom Index (CFSI) and a 7-point Likert scale for stress.
- Results showed higher CFSI scores compared to other industries, with "time-pressure," "too much work," and "ambiguity in job specification" as primary stressors.
- Four distinct work groups were identified, with "ambiguity in job specification" significantly correlating with higher fatigue and stress, particularly depression.
Impact:
- "Ambiguity in job specification" is identified as a critical stressor unique to software development.
- The study highlights the role of complex communication and insufficient tools in exacerbating this ambiguity.
- Findings provide insights for improving work conditions and reducing stress in the software engineering profession.