Rabelo et al. review confirms communication as core software engineering skill

A new multivocal literature review by Rabelo, Peres, Dias, Rocha, de Freitas, Gama, and Pinto (arXiv:2606.10320) examines how communication skills are discussed in both academic papers and gray literature (industry blogs, reports, etc.) within software engineering. The study finds strong convergence: both sources treat communication as a core competency essential for collaboration, code review, and project management. However, key differences emerge—academic work focuses on conceptual frameworks and empirical validation, while gray literature zeroes in on practical consequences like reduced bug rates and faster onboarding, plus emerging practices such as asynchronous communication tools and AI-assisted documentation.

The fragmentation of these discussions, the authors argue, limits a broader understanding of how communication is valued, taught, and applied. The review calls for bridging the gap between theory and practice, suggesting that software engineering curricula should incorporate more hands-on communication training alongside technical skills. For professionals, the findings underscore that effective communication—whether in stand-ups, pull request comments, or client meetings—can significantly impact project outcomes. The paper was submitted to WASHES 2026 and provides a foundation for future work on integrating soft skills into engineering education.