A multidimensional framework for understanding career disinterest in software testing: A cultural, economic, and curriculum-based review

The aim of this research is to examine the global lack of interest in software testing careers among IT students and to propose culturally grounded reforms for the Philippine context. Although demand for software testing professionals continues to grow, students in many countries perceive testing as repetitive, low in prestige, and limited in career progression. This narrative review uses thematic synthesis to analyze peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024 from Pakistan, Brazil, India, China, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The findings identify three key factors influencing career reluctance: cultural influences, economic considerations, and curriculum-related gaps. In the Philippines, cultural values such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and pakikisama (group harmony) play an important role in shaping career choices, often discouraging interest in software testing roles. Based on these findings, the study proposes the Cultural–Economic–Curriculum Influences on Reluctance Testing Careers (CEC-IRTC) framework to support curriculum reform, industry–academe collaboration, and culturally sensitive career guidance. Further empirical research is recommended to inform policy and educational practice.