RDEL #57: What conditions make developers thrive most?
This week, we look at a framework to understand what makes developer teams thrive, and how thriving contributes to a team's overall productivity.
Welcome back to Research-Driven Engineering Leadership. Each week, we pose an interesting topic in engineering leadership and apply the latest research in the field to drive to an answer.
In fast-paced development teams, what key factors determine whether developers merely cope with challenges or truly excel? Understanding these factors is crucial for engineering leaders who aim to cultivate a resilient, productive team. So, this week we ask: what are the essential elements that contribute to developer thriving?
The context
In the world of software engineering, the pressure to deliver high-quality products quickly can be intense. Engineers are often juggling multiple tasks, from writing code and fixing bugs to collaborating with team members and meeting tight deadlines. While technical skills are necessary, socio-cognitive drivers are also key indicators of success on the team. Understanding and nurturing these non-technical factors can make the difference between a team that struggles and one that excels.
The term “thriving” is about more than just productivity; it encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of engineers. When engineers thrive, they are not only more productive, but they are also more engaged, innovative, and resilient. They are better equipped to handle challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a high level of performance over time. This week, we will review what conditions enable engineering teams to thrive.
The research
Researchers investigated the socio-cognitive factors that contribute to thriving in software development teams by analyzing survey responses from 1,282 developers across various industries. The researchers identified four key dimensions of developer thriving that contribute to resilient productivity on software teams.
Agency: Developers have the ability to voice disagreements and influence how their work is measured, which empowers them to take ownership of their contributions.
Motivation and Self-Efficacy: A developer’s motivation to work on code they are passionate about, confidence in their problem-solving abilities, and the sense of making tangible progress.
Learning Culture: A thriving environment encourages continuous learning and sharing of knowledge among team members, fostering growth and innovation.
Support and Belonging: The feeling of being supported by their team and accepted for who they are.
Researchers also wanted to understand what dimensions impact developer thriving, and hypothesized that healthy metrics use (HMU) and value and visibility of work (VVQ) would be those mediators. The team used statistical models to quantify the relationships between healthy metrics use (HMU), visibility and value of work (VVQ), developer thriving (DTS), and perceived productivity (PPR).
They found that developer thriving had the strongest effect on perceived productivity, and it also mediated the relationships between productivity and both HMU and VVQ. This indicates that the impact of healthy metrics and visibility on productivity is partially explained by their influence on developer thriving.
The application
The study revealed that developer thriving is a crucial mediator between healthy work practices and perceived productivity. When developers experience psychological safety, a sense of purpose, and positive relationships, their productivity and resilience are significantly enhanced.
To apply these findings and increase performance and productivity on your team, engineering leaders can:
Foster Psychological Safety: Encourage open communication and create a safe environment where team members can share ideas and take risks without fear of negative consequences. We previously covered research on psychological safety in engineering.
Promote Purpose and Meaning: Align team goals with a clear and compelling mission to help developers find meaning in their work, which boosts engagement and motivation.
Strengthen Team Relationships: Facilitate opportunities for team bonding and collaboration to build strong, supportive relationships that enhance overall team resilience and productivity.
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By focusing on these areas, leaders create a more resilient, productive, and high performing team. Wishing you all a week of thriving - Happy Research Monday!
Lizzie