Agile Management for Software Engineering: Applying the Theory of Constraints for Business Results

Chapter 13. Staffing Decisions

Turnover

Bad management causes staff turnover. As discussed in the Introduction, it isn't the only reason why software engineers look elsewhere for an employer, but it is perhaps the most common reason.

Software development organizations have a tendency to take staff turnover in their stride. They often state that it is just “industry standard” or “normal.” There is cognitive dissonance about the fact that the problem is management induced and preventable. There is also a complete failure to understand the true costs associated with staff turnover and the consequent effect that bad management has on the financial health of a software development business.

Conventional View of Turnover Costs

The conventional ...