A Systematic Mapping Study on Soft Skills in Software Engineering Gerardo Matturro (Universidad ORT Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay matturro@uni.ort.edu.uy) Florencia Raschetti (Universidad ORT Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay florencia.raschetti@gmail.com) Carina Fontán (Universidad ORT Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay cfontan@gmail.com) Abstract: To participate in software development projects, team members may need to perform different roles and be skilled in diverse methodologies, tools and techniques. However, other skills, usually known as “soft skills” are also necessary. We report the results of a systematic mapping study to identify existing research on soft skills in software engineering and to determine what soft skills are considered relevant to the practice of software engineering. After applying an explicit mapping protocol, 44 papers were finally selected, and 30 main categories of soft skills were identified. At least half of the studies selected mention five skills: communication, teamwork, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills. We also identified the data collection methods commonly used for research on this topic: job advertisements and surveys were the main ones. The results of this work are of interest to researchers in human aspects of software engineering, to those responsible for Human Resource in software development companies, and to curriculum designers in careers related to software engineering and development. Keywords: Soft Skills, Software Engineering, Systematic Mapping Study Categories: D.2 1 Introduction Software development is a highly technical activity that requires people to have knowledge and experience in diverse software processes, methodologies, tools and techniques, but also to perform various functions in software projects. When software companies assemble project teams or hire new professionals, they often tend to emphasize the knowledge and technical skills of potential candidates. However, the human dimension may be as critical as technical capacity [Acuña, 06]. When people work together on a software project, other skills are necessary to implement activities such as communicating and interacting with other team members and stakeholders in the project, managing time, presenting progress of the project, negotiating with the customer, solving problems and making decisions, among others. Journal of Universal Computer Science, vol. 25, no. 1 (2019), 16-41 submitted: 4/6/18, accepted: 21/12/18, appeared: 28/1/19  J.UCS