A grounded theory inquiry of online freelance software developers

Date of Publication

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor in Information Technology

Subject Categories

Databases and Information Systems | Software Engineering

College

College of Computer Studies

Department/Unit

Information Technology

Thesis Adviser

Raymund C. Sison

Defense Panel Chair

Rafael A. Cabredo

Abstract/Summary

Online freelancing commonly known as online jobs in the perspective of the service providers has gained the attention of Filipinos as an alternative source of employment. In fact, the World Bank 2015 report in The Global Opportunity in Online Outsourcing states that, the Philippines has the largest proportion of working population engaged in online work. Motivated by this perspective, this study explores the experiences of online freelance software developers in the Philippines, particularly in Northern Mindanao. Using the classic grounded theory of Glaser, it was discovered that the main concern of online freelancers is earning flexibly in software development. Moreover, to continually resolve the main concern, they follow a basic social process of e-lancing work. e-Lancing work involves undergoing an iterative process of e-bidding and e-accomplishing through tasks or projects. The accumulated experiences throughout the iterative cycle resulted in a staged process including newbie, rockstar, and super-rockstar, which can be viewed as the professional life of online freelance software developers. Throughout the iterative and staged processes, strategies are employed via supporting information and communication technologies including circumtechventing to perform the job. The substantive theory of e-lancing work has implications for both the theory and practice including its utility as a framework for understanding the use of information technology and workarounds to earn flexibly in software development.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG007690

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer disc; 4 3/4 in.

Keywords

Computer software--Development--Philippines

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