Understanding software testers in the automotive industry a mixed-method case study

This paper presents the results of a mixed-method study performed in the software department of a large automotive supplier operating in a global software engineering setting. The aim was to understand the social dimension and human aspects involved in software testing in an intercultural setting. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of testers´ perception regarding their day-to-day activities and collaboration with other teams was conducted. The findings suggest the testing team is motivated but recurrently affected by external factors such as late input for testers, improperly or missing requirements, and unrealistic project planning. Testers identified human factors, such as openness and attitude of people, as relevant for effective collaboration. Combining the findings of the quantitative and the qualitative studies, our research suggests that the approach that testers take to their work can be characterized by a silo focus, i.e. rather than focusing on the overall goals their perception revolves around their subunit of the organization.