The structure of job attitudes among entry-level I/S professionals: a path-analytic analysis

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on analyses done on data collected as part of an ongoing, longitudinal study of a national sample of information systems (I/S) professionals who have recently entered the work force. Path analysis, a form of structural equation modeling (SEM) used in exploratory studies where there is no definitive theory to be tested, was used to study the relationships among the subjects' demographics and their job preference and personal characteristics, and the characteristics of the I/S programs within the colleges and universities from which the subjects were recently graduated. The findings indicate that while young males from large, well-established I/S programs exhibit a good fit between their preferences and their work experiences, this is less true for others (i.e., females, older graduates, graduates from newer or small programs). The implications of these findings for management are discussed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Information systems education
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION

General Terms:
Human Factors, Theory