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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1988

Wanda J. Orlikowski and Jack J. Baroudi

Much of the prior research into information systems (IS) workers has assumed that they are professionals. In this paper we examine the characteristics of IS workers, IS work and…

323

Abstract

Much of the prior research into information systems (IS) workers has assumed that they are professionals. In this paper we examine the characteristics of IS workers, IS work and the IS workplace, and suggest that this perspective is mistaken. Drawing on the sociological theory of professions as a reference discipline we contend that IS professionalism is an inappropriate categorization, and that such a portrayal limits our understanding of IS workers and their work. We argue in this paper that a more faithful and potentially useful characterization is to view IS workers as members of an occupational group. Within this perspective, an understanding of the occupational culture, context and history of IS workers is essential to an understanding of the IS occupation. We examine and challenge some common myths regarding IS work, technology and the IS workplace. We conclude by making some recommendations for future research, which should enhance our understanding of IS workers as members of an occupation.

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Office Technology and People, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0167-5710

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Dean Elmuti, Judith Lehman, Brandon Harmon, Xiaoyan Lu, Andrea Pape, Ren Zhang and Terad Zimmerle

We examined the role gender plays in managerial stereotypes and changes that have occurred in the US for executive women in the workforce. We also investigated factors and…

2170

Abstract

We examined the role gender plays in managerial stereotypes and changes that have occurred in the US for executive women in the workforce. We also investigated factors and personality traits that affect advancement into upper management for all executives and those that affect women in particular. Despite increased organisational sensitivity, public policies, and equal rights legislation, women continue to be underrepresented in corporate America. Pay increases and promotions for females have not kept pace with those for men. Study results also indicate that managerial womenwho juggle jobs and family life benefit from these multiple roles, but women who put off marriage and family to build top‐level careers suffer in later years from greatly reduced chances of finding spouses and having children. Further adaptation of organisational culture in the new economy, weakening of the glass ceiling phenomenon, and family friendly work policies may alleviate some of the difficulties experienced by women who want it all.

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Equal Opportunities International, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

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Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2015

Chun Kit Lok

Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior…

Abstract

Smart card-based E-payment systems are receiving increasing attention as the number of implementations is witnessed on the rise globally. Understanding of user adoption behavior of E-payment systems that employ smart card technology becomes a research area that is of particular value and interest to both IS researchers and professionals. However, research interest focuses mostly on why a smart card-based E-payment system results in a failure or how the system could have grown into a success. This signals the fact that researchers have not had much opportunity to critically review a smart card-based E-payment system that has gained wide support and overcome the hurdle of critical mass adoption. The Octopus in Hong Kong has provided a rare opportunity for investigating smart card-based E-payment system because of its unprecedented success. This research seeks to thoroughly analyze the Octopus from technology adoption behavior perspectives.

Cultural impacts on adoption behavior are one of the key areas that this research posits to investigate. Since the present research is conducted in Hong Kong where a majority of population is Chinese ethnicity and yet is westernized in a number of aspects, assuming that users in Hong Kong are characterized by eastern or western culture is less useful. Explicit cultural characteristics at individual level are tapped into here instead of applying generalization of cultural beliefs to users to more accurately reflect cultural bias. In this vein, the technology acceptance model (TAM) is adapted, extended, and tested for its applicability cross-culturally in Hong Kong on the Octopus. Four cultural dimensions developed by Hofstede are included in this study, namely uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and Confucian Dynamism (long-term orientation), to explore their influence on usage behavior through the mediation of perceived usefulness.

TAM is also integrated with the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to borrow two constructs in relation to innovative characteristics, namely relative advantage and compatibility, in order to enhance the explanatory power of the proposed research model. Besides, the normative accountability of the research model is strengthened by embracing two social influences, namely subjective norm and image. As the last antecedent to perceived usefulness, prior experience serves to bring in the time variation factor to allow level of prior experience to exert both direct and moderating effects on perceived usefulness.

The resulting research model is analyzed by partial least squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The research findings reveal that all cultural dimensions demonstrate direct effect on perceived usefulness though the influence of uncertainty avoidance is found marginally significant. Other constructs on innovative characteristics and social influences are validated to be significant as hypothesized. Prior experience does indeed significantly moderate the two influences that perceived usefulness receives from relative advantage and compatibility, respectively. The research model has demonstrated convincing explanatory power and so may be employed for further studies in other contexts. In particular, cultural effects play a key role in contributing to the uniqueness of the model, enabling it to be an effective tool to help critically understand increasingly internationalized IS system development and implementation efforts. This research also suggests several practical implications in view of the findings that could better inform managerial decisions for designing, implementing, or promoting smart card-based E-payment system.

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E-services Adoption: Processes by Firms in Developing Nations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-709-7

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Book part
Publication date: 20 October 2015

Mohammad Shamsuddoha

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured…

Abstract

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured supply chain practices, lack of awareness of the implications of the sustainability concept and failure to recycle poultry wastes. The current research thus attempts to develop an integrated supply chain model in the context of poultry industry in Bangladesh. The study considers both sustainability and supply chain issues in order to incorporate them in the poultry supply chain. By placing the forward and reverse supply chains in a single framework, existing problems can be resolved to gain economic, social and environmental benefits, which will be more sustainable than the present practices.

The theoretical underpinning of this research is ‘sustainability’ and the ‘supply chain processes’ in order to examine possible improvements in the poultry production process along with waste management. The research adopts the positivist paradigm and ‘design science’ methods with the support of system dynamics (SD) and the case study methods. Initially, a mental model is developed followed by the causal loop diagram based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observation techniques. The causal model helps to understand the linkages between the associated variables for each issue. Finally, the causal loop diagram is transformed into a stock and flow (quantitative) model, which is a prerequisite for SD-based simulation modelling. A decision support system (DSS) is then developed to analyse the complex decision-making process along the supply chains.

The findings reveal that integration of the supply chain can bring economic, social and environmental sustainability along with a structured production process. It is also observed that the poultry industry can apply the model outcomes in the real-life practices with minor adjustments. This present research has both theoretical and practical implications. The proposed model’s unique characteristics in mitigating the existing problems are supported by the sustainability and supply chain theories. As for practical implications, the poultry industry in Bangladesh can follow the proposed supply chain structure (as par the research model) and test various policies via simulation prior to its application. Positive outcomes of the simulation study may provide enough confidence to implement the desired changes within the industry and their supply chain networks.

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Sustaining Competitive Advantage Via Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management, and System Dynamics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-707-3

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Book part
Publication date: 24 June 2024

Sereen M. Kazim, Shadell A. AlGhamdi, Miltiadis D. Lytras and Basim S. Alsaywid

This chapter examines how innovation and research are essential to the advancement of science, the economy, and society. We examine the current status of scientific research in…

Abstract

This chapter examines how innovation and research are essential to the advancement of science, the economy, and society. We examine the current status of scientific research in Saudi Arabia, highlighting issues like financial limitations and a lack of skilled researchers. We emphasize how important it is to develop the next generation of scientists in order to transform existing practices and improve the state of scientific research in the country.

Proficiency in research and innovation is crucial for expanding the frontiers of knowledge, empowering scientists to tackle intricate problems, and advancing scientific rigor. These abilities also support the use of evidence in decision-making, enabling researchers to provide empirical data that inform practices and policies in a variety of industries. Sustained growth requires the formation of future leaders, who promote knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s significant spending on science, problems still exist. Addressing governance deficiencies is demonstrated by the establishment of the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority in 2021. The nation has grown in the world’s scientific rankings, drawing eminent specialists and fostering cross-border cooperation. Still, there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to fostering a culture of research, improving financing sources, and encouraging international collaboration. It is imperative that these problems are resolved in order to avoid stagnation, guarantee ongoing innovation, and take advantage of chances for society’s progress.

The chapter ends with a call to action that highlights how quickly improvements must be made. Failing to do so runs the risk of stifling the advancement of science, preventing the creation of new technologies, and prolonging complicated issues. To lower risks, seize opportunities, and ensure that research and innovation continue to advance for the good of society, immediate action is necessary.

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Transformative Leadership and Sustainable Innovation in Education: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-536-1

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Article
Publication date: 30 March 2021

Jocelyn Cranefield, Mary Ellen Gordon, Prashant Palvia, Alexander Serenko and Tim Jacks

The study aims to explore whether there is diversity of occupational culture among IT workers. Prior work conceptualizes IT occupational culture (ITOC) as based around six…

409

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore whether there is diversity of occupational culture among IT workers. Prior work conceptualizes IT occupational culture (ITOC) as based around six distinctive values (ASPIRE) but has not explored whether there is variation in ITOC.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 496 New Zealand IT workers was used to create factors representing IT occupational values based on the ASPIRE tool. Hierarchical cluster analysis and discriminant analysis were applied to identify distinctive segments of ITOC.

Findings

Four ITOC segments were identified: fun-lovers, innovators, independents and institutionalists. These differed in the relative emphasis ascribed to the ITOC values with each segment being distinguished by 1–2 dominant values. Segment membership varied according to level of responsibility and birth country. Institutionalists and innovators had higher concern about organizational and IT issues than fun-lovers and independents. Job satisfaction was lowest among innovators and highest along institutionalists.

Research limitations/implications

This study challenges the concept of a unified ITOC, suggesting that ITOC is pluralistic. It also theorizes about interactions between ITOC, individual motivation and values and national culture.

Practical implications

Management needs to be cognizant of the fact that IT occupational culture is not homogeneous and different IT occupational segments require unique management approaches, and that their own values may not match those of others in IT work. By understanding ITOC segments, managers can tailor support, assign tasks appropriately and design teams to optimize synergies and avoid conflict.

Originality/value

This study reveals the existence of ITOC segments and theorizes about the relationship of these to innovation-orientation, job satisfaction, individual motivation, work styles and national culture. The combination of cluster and discriminant analysis is a valuable replicable inductive method that is underrepresented in Information Systems (IS) research.

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Information Technology & People, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2021

Sam Zaza, Cynthia Riemenschneider and Deborah J. Armstrong

The purpose of this empirical study is to explore the drivers and effects of a multidimensional conceptualization of burnout for information technology (IT) personnel using the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study is to explore the drivers and effects of a multidimensional conceptualization of burnout for information technology (IT) personnel using the job demands-resources framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 247 IT professionals, the authors analyzed our model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), a composite-based method.

Findings

The authors find that job demands and job resources differently influence the dimensions of burnout, and the burnout dimensions influenced turnover intention (leave the organization) and turnaway intention (leave the field) except for cynicism, which did not affect turnover intention. The authors’ findings suggest that managers and human resource professionals may want to look beyond managing work exhaustion and consider focusing on the professional efficacy dimension of burnout to keep their IT professionals from leaving the organization and the IT industry.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need for researchers in the information systems field to rethink using exhaustion as a proxy for the burnout construct as focusing on work exhaustion does not tell the full story for IT professionals. Additionally, the findings indicate that job-related burnout affects not only IT professional's turnover intention but also turnaway intention. Last, psychosocial mentoring did not directly influence any of the burnout components but indirectly influenced all three components.

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Information Technology & People, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2006

Narendar Sumukadas

The purpose of this article is to study the effect of employee involvement (EI) practices on quality comprehensively.

4937

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the effect of employee involvement (EI) practices on quality comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper views the EI domain as sets of related practices interacting within a hierarchy. Using survey data, the paper tests a model of higher order practices building on a foundation of lower order practices to affect quality.

Findings

The results support a hierarchical conceptualisation of EI practices. Some practices are found to be more effective than others, yet even the less effective EI practices serve a supportive purpose.

Research limitations/implications

The model was analyzed from a predictive perspective, using a relatively small sample. Rather than simply identifying some EI practices as more effective than others, it is important to view the practices as being interrelated.

Practical implications

Cherry‐picking only the most effective EI practices may not work. Managers must first install a foundation of less effective practices.

Originality/value

EI is recognised as an important enabler of quality management initiatives. Yet, much of this support is based on normative and untested prescriptions. This paper provides such a test. The paper models the entire EI domain, as sets of related practices rather than a hodgepodge of sporadic individual practices. Further, the paper presents a unique conceptualisation of an EI hierarchy.

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International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Lijing Zhao, Phillip M. Jolly, Shuming Zhao and Hao Zeng

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between team-level inclusive leadership perceptions, team thriving, and team proactivity as well as the moderating…

892

Abstract

Purpose

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between team-level inclusive leadership perceptions, team thriving, and team proactivity as well as the moderating effect of team power distance on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave survey study of 365 manufacturing employees comprising 85 teams in an organization in Eastern China was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that inclusive leadership stimulates collective thriving, which then promotes team proactivity. In addition, team power distance negatively moderates the relationship between inclusive leadership and collective thriving, as well as the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on team proactivity via collective thriving.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the effects of inclusive leadership at the team level, and answers recent calls to investigate the mechanisms linking leadership-related constructs to team-level proactivity. The authors also identify an important boundary condition to the effects of inclusive leadership in team power distance.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 53 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2020

Sanjay Bhattacharya, Kirankumar S. Momaya and K. Chandrasekhar Iyer

To suggest a conceptual framework to benchmark enablers of growth and link them to performance metrics, duly supported theoretically with definitions and literature review. The…

1113

Abstract

Purpose

To suggest a conceptual framework to benchmark enablers of growth and link them to performance metrics, duly supported theoretically with definitions and literature review. The sub-objectives of the study are the following:

  1. To identify enablers based on theories and antecedents of growth

  2. To establish key leads on how the identified enablers have been deployed by leading construction companies, basis their stages of growth and economic context

  3. To identify which enablers have higher potential to contribute to competitiveness and growth in an effort to benchmark performance

  4. To establish if the enablers deployed is dependent on the market maturity and economic context

To identify enablers based on theories and antecedents of growth

To establish key leads on how the identified enablers have been deployed by leading construction companies, basis their stages of growth and economic context

To identify which enablers have higher potential to contribute to competitiveness and growth in an effort to benchmark performance

To establish if the enablers deployed is dependent on the market maturity and economic context

Design/methodology/approach

The enabler-mix-based approach is evolved through literature review, inputs from industry practitioners, and subsequent empirical analysis. To explore relationships, the primary methodology suggested is building theory from practice, justified in specific industry and regional economic context. Content analysis has been used for validation of the framework.

Findings

Traditional strategy literature suffers from the limitations in terms of applicability and specific contextual settings. In a rapidly changing and varied environment coupled with the context of emerging countries, there is a need for a benchmarked framework for strategy and growth. The evidence toward utility of the framework has been established through a quick analysis of leading construction companies. Capabilities for “operational and process excellence,” “unique products and services,” and “visionary leadership” emerged to be the higher ranked core growth enablers. However, the deployment of these enablers is dependent on the maturity of the company and its economic context.

Research limitations/implications

This simpler and generic framework analyzes the relative impact on performance, as well as the inter-enabler interaction and substitution effects, in the context of construction companies.

Practical implications

In the context of industries that are volatile in nature (like the construction industry), strategy tools need to be simple and generic towards practical and uncomplicated application for the managers, to achieve positive outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper offers fresh perspectives to benchmarking literature in terms of enablers to deliver growth performance, in the context of construction companies. It attempts to fill the gap in evolving simple strategy tools to ensure sustainable growth performance in industries having nascent research support and less availability of data so far. In the context of industries that are volatile in nature (like the construction industry), strategy tools need to be simple and generic toward practical and uncomplicated application for the managers to achieve positive outcomes.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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