Comparison of Gender Differences among Information Systems Professionals: A Cultural Perspective

Abstract

Human resource management is an important issue in the Information Systems (IS) discipline because of several factors -the rapidly changing technologies, the fact that end users tend to look to the IS staff to provide the tools and techniques necessary to effectively compete in today's economic and business environment. Demographic changes in the labor force have also been projected for the years beyond 2000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that women and non-Whites would form the majority of the productive population The IS profession is projected to grow at the astonishing rate of 120% annually. Consequently, it is important to examine the expected work goals of female versus male IS professionals. This study uses Hofstede's (4) typology of culture to examine the work goals of female IS professionals versus those of male IS professionals. Gender differences in work goals have been attributed to the upbringing and cultural background of individuals. The results indicate that male and female IS professionals generally have similar work goals. Males perceived advancement, variety and high earnings as more important factors