• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-70
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• 2020

This study examines the subjective perception of software developers on happiness at work through the Q-sort methodology. Analysis of 63 respondents revealed four types happiness at work with highly differentiated characteristics: 'stability of work oriented', 'defiant self-driven, technology-oriented', 'realistic professionalism oriented', and 'genuinely technology and task-immersion oriented'. The 'defiant self-driven, technology-oriented' and 'genuinely technology and task-immersion oriented' types are interested in latest ICT and consider recognition of one's professionalism as well as self-realization result in happiness at work. On the other hand, the 'stability of work oriented' and 'realistic professionalism oriented' types did not pay much attention to one's growth of technical career but emphasized salary, welfare benefits and job promotion as the most important factors in happiness at work. Today, extraordinary SW developers are a key factor to acquire industrial competitiveness. Nations and corporations should prepare realistic ways to promote overall happiness at work by accurately understanding the varying characteristics and predisposition of domestic ICT personnel. In Korea, it is found that there is a shortage of 'genuinely technology and task-immersion oriented' SW developers. In order to secure national and industrial competitiveness in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, creation of work ecosystem to promote high levels of happiness at work is required to secure quality software production and pride as an ICT professional.