A1 Journal article (refereed)
Exploring barriers that prevent employees from experiencing flow in the software industry (2023)

Ritonummi, S., Siitonen, V., Salo, M., & Pirkkalainen, H. (2023). Exploring barriers that prevent employees from experiencing flow in the software industry. Journal of Workplace Learning, 36(3), 223-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/jwl-11-2022-0146

JYU authors or editors

Ritonummi, Saima
Siitonen, Valtteri
Salo, Markus

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ritonummi, Saima; Siitonen, Valtteri; Salo, Markus; Pirkkalainen, Henri

Journal or series: Journal of Workplace Learning

ISSN: 1366-5626

eISSN: 1366-5626

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 15/08/2023

Volume: 36

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 223-238

Publisher: Emerald

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jwl-11-2022-0146

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88536

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers that prevent workers in the software industry from experiencing flow in their work.
Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted by using a qualitative critical incident technique-inspired questionnaire.
Findings: The findings suggest that workers in the software industry perceive that the most obvious obstacles to experiencing flow are related to work not presenting enough cognitive challenges and situational barriers related to the characteristics of the job (e.g. workdays having too many interruptions and distractions, timetables often being considered too tight for creative exploration and problem solving and having negative user experiences with development tools).
Originality/value: The findings provide insights into flow barriers, specifically barriers that prevent workers in the software industry from experiencing flow.

Keywords: flow (experiences); software industry; software development

Free keywords: flow experience; software industry; software development

Fields of science: