Martha E. Myers

Motivation and performance in the information systems field: a survey of related studies

Motivation is important. In todays economy, it is vital that all scarce resources - especially human resources - be utilized efficiently and effectively. Daft and Steers state unequivocally that motivation is the foundation upon which human resources may be optimally utilized (1986).Prior studies of motivation in the information systems (IS) profession have led to inconclusive and, even contradictory results. It may be that these apparently inconsistent results are actually evidence of a rapidly changing and evolving profession. Several IS research articles have documented rapidly occurring changes within IS job environments, changes in development methodologies and IS organizational structure. Thus, an assessment of the fit between the IS professional and the changing IS work environment is a fundamental component of IS human resource management. Knowledge of job fit in this profession is crucial to each phase of human resource development, from recruitment to evaluation and training.The primary purpose of this paper is to review personnel literature within the context of a larger picture of IS motivation:b Motivation in the IS professionb The evolving IS work environmentb Job fit within the IS professionb Related studies from other disciplines

Nerd Work: attractors and barriers perceived by students entering the IT field

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that attract as well as discourage students who display an initial interest in IT careers. Factors influencing students one way or the other may include media images of IT, role models, gender, and age. The study proposes to investigate these factors by focusing on the first programming course that is standard in many IT curricula. Demographic factors of students who enroll and either withdraw, pass, or fail the course will be analyzed, and then the same students will be surveyed to examine in greater depth their perceptions, both negative and positive, about IT careers and IT professionals. The results will provide educators and practitioners with information about myths that students hold that need to be dispelled, as well as the possible need to convey more realistic perspectives on the breadth and variety of IT jobs. Identification of these factors can help in recruiting as well as retaining a greater number of qualified students and ultimately increasing the supply of qualified IT workers.

Diversity and the information technology workforce: an examination of student perceptions

Most IT professionals would agree that diversity in IT leads to positive outcomes. However, few studies have empirically tested differences in diversity perceptions among groups. This research-in-progress develops a survey to test perceptions in four diversity categories: gender, ethnicity, age, and disability. Currently, we have begun collecting data from students in three universities. Upon completion of data collection, we plan to validate the survey instrument using factor analysis. Then we will test a series of directional hypotheses theorizing differences in diversity perceptions among groups. We will use multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to analyze group differences and possible interaction effects. Upon completion of the study, we anticipate empirically validating a survey instrument to be used in future diversity studies, while also providing support for differences in diversity perceptions between the groups analyzed.

The database course (panel session): what must be taught

In the ever expanding universe of database skills and knowledge we propose a framework that can be used to classify advanced database topics. We use the framework to present five advanced database modules that can be successfully incorporated in an advanced database course. These modules were built to illustrate advanced topics and were tested and refined in advanced database courses over several semesters. The skills demonstrated in the modules go beyond what is typically taught in an the introductory level database course but are important in today’s highly demanding business environment.

Opportunities for women in IT security

Much prior research has examined the dearth of women in the IT industry. The purpose of this study is to examine the questions surrounding women in IT within the context of Information Security and Assurance. This research-in-progress report describes results from one phase in a study of a relatively new career path to see if there are female-friendly opportunities that have not existed in previous IT career paths. Research methodology focuses on a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with women who are self-described IT security professionals. The next phase will focus on interviews with men in the IT security field as a basis for comparison. A primary goal of the study is to determine whether or not women in security face the same challenges and opportunities as they do in other IT fields. Further, does the security area offer equivalent opportunities for women and men? Finally, implications are explored, including those for IT educators in terms of recruiting and retaining diverse groups of students to pursue security related careers.

The I.S. profession and the I.S. professional: fit of mis-fit?

This paper reports findings from the second in a recent series of studies related to motivation and work performance. In the first study, individual need differences between IS and other professionals from the same organizations were explored in an effort to answer questions raised in prior works. Results generally suggested that IS and non-IS professionals are not, in fact, very different from one another. This result is in contrast to the Couger and Zawacki results, but provides some support for the Ferratt and Short results. Interestingly, IS participants reported significantly lower internal needs than non–IS personnel. Internal needs include motivators such as ability utilization and achievement opportunity.

A model for examination of underrepresented groups in the IT workforce

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that attract as well as discourage women and other students who display an initial interest in IT careers. Of particular interest is the comparison of computer science (CS) and information systems (IS) majors because prior research has focused almost exclusively on CS students. An initial investigation of success rates in the first programming course at two universities indicates that neither gender nor age is a good predictor of success in this course. This paper presents a research model based on review of the literature and on Vrooms expectancy theory. Future research will examine the relationships between predictor variables and valence and expectancy regarding IT as a career.

Breaking the glass firewall: opportunities for women leaders in information security and assurance

The purpose of this research is to examine careers in Information Security and Assurance within the context of women in IT. Much prior research has examined the dearth of women and other groups in the IT industry. We are interested in exploring this relatively new career path to see if there are female-friendly opportunities that have not existed in previous IT career paths. In sum, we seek to determine whether or not women in security face the same challenges and opportunities as they do in other IT fields. Further, we will determine if the security area offers an even playing field for women and men. Finally, based on our findings, we will discuss implications for IT educators in terms of recruiting and retaining diverse groups of students to pursue security related careers.