Gender Differences among IT Professionals in Dealing with Change and Skill Set Maintenance

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges facing information technology (IT) managers is adapting to
change. IT managers must cope with frequent changes in programming languages and technology
platforms, all the while implementing new applications within their organizations (Straub & Watson, 2001). There are many indicators that this constant change is a challenge for IT professionals
and managers. Benemati and Lederer (2001) documented a series of problems that IT professionals experience when attempting to cope with the rapid changes of the field, namely “realizing the
potential of new IT while avoiding the associated risks.” This study investigates one particular method for dealing with change and skill set maintenance among IT professionals: technology discussion groups. The study also investigates gender differences in the use of discussion groups. Two hundred and fourteen IT professionals were surveyed on what sort of IT-related activities they devote time to, how much problem-solving they attempt via technology discussion groups with respect to those activities, and their perceived community and organizational benefits to participating in such discussion groups. The study found significant gender differences in perceived value of technology discussion groups.