Using performance ethnography to explore the human aspects of software quality

Abstract

Purpose – This paper draws on a recent approach to ethnography in order to explore some cultural issues in the development of software quality procedures within software development. Methodologically, the purpose is to show how performance autoethnography can be effective in highlighting cultural issues. In terms of software quality, the paper intends to contribute towards establishing the importance, even primacy, of human issues in software quality management.Design/methodology/approach – The approach used, performance ethnography, involves finding different ways of presenting ethnographies, including dramatic readings of interviews, in order to challenge the audience. In this case a poetic approach is used to engage the audience in understanding cultural and contextual issues around software quality. The paper applies performance ethnography to autoethnographic output in which the researcher reflects on his own experience. The paper presents four pieces describing human issues in software quality. A “S...