Software Engineering Leadership Competencies in the Information Technology Field

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how software engineering leaders described leadership competencies in their positions within the information technology field. The research was based on Katz’s (1955) three skills model for effective leadership. The overarching research question that guided the study was how software engineering leaders described the utilization of technical, human, and conceptual skills in their leadership positions. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, which generated six themes to address the research questions. New ideas emerged on engineering leadership based on real-world leaders’ descriptions of leadership skills with an emphasis on emotional intelligence.