Abstract
The normalization of deviance is a phenomenon in which people come to accept or normalize behaviors that are, in fact, deviant or even dangerous. This phenomenon is well-documented in various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and engineering, but it is not commonly discussed in the context of software development. The article argues that this phenomenon is prevalent in the software industry, leading to a culture of overlooking potential problems and tolerating sub-optimal practices. The article provides numerous anecdotes of real-life scenarios from the author’s own professional experience to illustrate this point. The author explores the factors contributing to the normalization of deviance in software development, such as inefficient rules, imperfect knowledge transfer, and a fear of speaking up. The article concludes by proposing solutions to mitigate the effects of the normalization of deviance, including paying attention to weak signals, resisting optimism, and fostering a culture of open and honest communication. – AI-generated abstract.
