Influence of HRM practices on innovation in software engineering: the mediating role of developer experience

Purpose This study examines the influence of developer experience between human resource management (HRM) practices and innovation in software (S/W) engineering. This study uses motivation theory and investigates how HRM practices influence the innovative behaviors of S/W developers by using a mediator of affective developer experience. Design/methodology/approach For this, this study used a survey of S/W developers working in Korea. Out of 431 responses collected from 35 companies, 352 responses from 34 companies were usable for analysis and takes structural equation modeling. Findings The results show that developmental appraisal, externally or internally equitable reward and comprehensive training increase their affective developer experience affecting innovative behaviors positively in turn. However, selective staffing has no effect. Originality/value The results show that S/W developers pursue individual growth rather than success in their organizations. The findings show the context of S/W engineering in Korea and provide universalistic perspective when top managers motivate their S/W engineers by HRM system.