Susan E. Yager

Microcomputer playfulness: stable or dynamic trait?

Previous playfulness research has investigated playfulness as both state and trait phenomena. For example, Webster et al. (1993) examined flow, the state of playfulness in a specific human-computer interaction, while Martocchio and Webster (1992) used a trait-based approach, considering playfulness a characteristic of individuals. This research extends the investigation of playfulness as an individual trait by using a longitudinal study to examine its temporal and situational stability.The Computer Playfulness Scale (Webster & Martocchio, 1992) was administered four times over the course of a five-week summer session to students enrolled in a computer-literacy course, once at the beginning of the class and then following completion of three milestones in the course work. The playfulness instrument was assessed for internal consistency, unidimensionality, and temporal and situational stability. The evidence indicates that the measurement is reliable. The primary question of trait stability (stable versus dynamic) was examined in several ways, supporting the conclusion that playfulness is a stable trait. The implications of these findings and suggested further research are discussed.

Career orientation and organizational commitment of IT personnel

The management of information technology (IT) personnel poses unique challenges, but managers may be able to provide IT professionals with appropriate opportunities and career paths by matching individual expectations with job characteristics. This study is designed to identify the career anchors possessed by current IT personnel and to identify which career anchors are the strongest determinants of organizational commitment. Results from a pilot study identified four career anchors or orientations prevalent in IT personnel: Creativity, Autonomy, Identity, and Variety. Responses from sixty-six IT professionals were analyzed; and a weighted variation of Time in Job, Variety, Autonomy, and Identity explained 38% of the variation in Organizational Commitment.

Career orientation of IT personnel

The management of information technology (IT) personnel poses unique challenges, including high turnover, limited advancement potential, low organizational commitment, and burnout. By matching individual expectations and job characteristics, managers may be able to provide IT professionals with appropriate opportunities and career paths. This study is designed to identify the career anchors or orientations which are possessed by IT personnel, and to identify which career anchors are the strongest determinants of organizational commitment. Based upon preliminary results of the pilot survey, the respondents expressed a variety of career anchors, including Organizational Stability, Variety, Managerial Competence, and Geographic Security. The career anchors and career orientation variables that were less important to the respondents were Identity, Technical Competence, Creativity, and Autonomy.

An investigation of preparedness and importance of mis competencies: research in progress

MIS programs are facing significant challenges: employment opportunities for graduates are greatly expanding, the number of enrolled students is dropping, and graduates face rapid changes in technologies and business environments. This paper describes results from a pilot survey that provides a glimpse into perceived differences between what MIS graduates learned in their degree program and the requirements of their jobs. Preliminary results indicate that a healthy mix of non-technical and technical skills is what is required by the job market. If MIS programs focus on providing a healthy balance of these skills, then MIS graduates will be well-prepared.

Using an e-book to teach technology: effects on student performance

This research in progress examines the effect of e-book use on students enrolled in a computer literacy course at a medium-sized, Midwestern university by comparing performance results of students using an e-book with students utilizing a traditional print textbook. Results from pre- and post-tests plus survey results are presented, as well as educational implications for teaching and student learning and for training users of technology.

Exploring Reputation Differences in Information Systems Groups

Abstract This article examines the difference in reputation of two Information Systems (IS) groups within the same company. The company is a mid-sized insurance company in a large Midwestern city in the United States, and the two IS groups are from different divisions within the company. The two cases identify the IS governance structure and IS coordination techniques used by the divisions. We then discuss how the structure chosen and the coordination techniques used impacted the relationship between the end-users and the IS groups. We also examine the relationship between the working relationship of the two groups and the reputation of the IS group. Because IS governance structure and coordination techniques did not appear to fully explain the large discrepancies in end-users’ perceptions of the two IS groups, the cases also discuss organizational behavior theories. The effect of such elements as size, external environment, and leadership in the division is discussed in relation to the differing reputations of the IS groups.

Preparing End User Support Specialists

Abstract Specializations within the field of information systems (IS) have become common. End user support (EUS) is a growing area that requires further examination by academia and consideration as a new IS specialization. In this article, the authors examine two views of an IS course dealing with EUS. Each course went through a similar evolution, but faculty expertise prevailed in the final development of each course. Both academic programs use a traditional approach combining theory and student projects to simulate the duties required in user support. The evolution of both courses continues.

Research in progress / teaching systems analysis and design: what do students really need to know?

This research in progress describes a survey instrument and includes preliminary analysis results of responses from IS/IT professionals regarding Systems Analysis and Design (SA&D) course content and coverage. Questions focus on the skills, tools, development practices, and development methodologies considered most important for a new employee to know and have in their tool kit. We consider our findings in light of the IS 2010 Curriculum Guidelines, with an eye toward how our information can assist in course and curriculum design. We present preliminary results with next steps.

The Role of Voice in Retention of IT Workers: Paving the Higher Road

When dissatisfied, an employee has two discreet options: exit or voice [19]. While exit is defined as leaving the organization, voice represents an effort to gain correction of the dissatisfying situation. As managers, we want our valued IT professionals to communicate their dissatisfaction and give us an opportunity to correct the situation, rather than move directly to exit. To increase the likelihood of this, we need to better understand factors that influence an employees decision to voice. Preliminary results from a field survey of 112 professionals indicate that a proactive personality and perceived psychological safety of voice contribute to a propensity to voice, while psychological futility of voice contributes to turnover intention. Managerial openness was associated with higher psychological safety of voice and with lower perceptions of psychological futility of voice.

Understanding and applying participant observation in information systems research

We take stock of accepted wisdom regarding the use of participant observation. This research technique is defined and viewed in relation to two spectrums of roles that researchers can take in field studies. Issues associated with covert vs. overt observation are considered and the current prevailing wisdom acknowledged. We outline a fundamental methodology for conducting a participant observation study, and then apply the methodology in presenting a research design for a study in progress. We conclude with identification and discussion of key challenges in participant observation research.