N/A

Technical debt is a critical challenge in software development, influencing the morale of IT staff and the innovation capacity of companies. This study explores the extent to which technical debt affects these factors in Nicaraguan companies, shedding light on a context that has been underrepresented in the literature. The research adopts a qualitative multiple-case study approach, gathering data through semi-structured interviews with developers, IT managers, and HR personnel from four industries: finance, banking, real estate, and software services.

The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the Job Demands-Resources (JDR) model and the Visibility, Cycles, and Chains of Technical Debt (V4CTD) framework. The findings reveal that unresolved technical debt increases workload, stress, and demotivation among IT staff while hindering professional growth and retention. Organizational barriers such as limited resources, lack of training, and bureaucratic delays exacerbate these effects. Moreover, the study identifies how prioritizing short-term deliverables over long-term planning constrains innovation and organizational competitiveness.

The research contributes to understanding technical debt by emphasizing its human impact and offering actionable recommendations for organizations to manage its effects better. The study underscores the importance of aligning resource allocation, leadership strategies, and innovation initiatives to mitigate the challenges posed by technical debt. This thesis advances theoretical insights and provides practical guidance for fostering healthier, more innovative IT environments.