Women's adaptation to the it culture

This research study investigated the possible cultural conflicts faced by women during the socialization process to the IT occupational culture. In particular, the differences of perceptions by gender were examined. This study presents a sequential mixed methodology approach composed of two linked phases: the initial qualitative phase included 27 interviews conducted with students in the IT field in order to obtain their impressions of the IT occupational culture. Verbatim quotes from interviews suggested that only the initial work experiences had given these students a realistic preview of IT occupational culture. In the subsequent quantitative phase, students' impressions from the interviews were transformed into a survey instrument that included evaluative dimensions relevant to the characteristics of IT occupational culture derived from the interviews, and another set of survey items from previously validated instruments. The survey instrument was developed and then administered to N = 215 participants to see if there were any differences of perceptions towards the IT culture by gender. Finally, the measures of these evaluative dimensions were used to predict occupational commitment. Results showed that women's adaptation to IT occupational culture predicts occupational commitment and that some cultural features are more difficult to adapt to for female IT newcomers.