Decoding Empathy in SE: Exploring the Role of Empathy in Software Engineering

Software engineering (SE) involves solving complex real-world problems through collaboration among developers, stakeholders, and end-users. Empathy plays a vital role in bridging diverse perspectives, improving communication, and supporting more inclusive and effective software development. This thesis explores the role of empathy in SE through systematic literature reviews, empirical studies, and theory development. Key contributions include a theory on the role of empathy in SE, actionable guidelines for practice, and the development of SE-specific empathy measurement scales. By positioning empathy as a core human capability, this research advances both academic understanding and practical application, promoting more human-centred approaches in SE.