Revisiting the perennial question: are IS people different?

ABSTRACT

Three types of information systems personnel (programmers, systems analysts, and project managers) were compared to the general population based on responses to a standardized personality test. The IS professionals, in aggregate, exceeded population norms for nearly all of the relevant scales, confirming much prior research.However, the personality profiles of analysts and managers differed widely from that of programmers, but not from one another. Managers and analysts were found to be conservative, logical, analytical, diligent, and ambitious, with strong leadership tendencies and high self-confidence and self-esteem. They were also found to be more sociable and creative than in past research.The differences identified between traditional programmers and systems analysts and managers indicate the importance of studying, managing, and recruiting these groups differently. The findings offer insight into how to retain, promote, and manage IS personnel effectively.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

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

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
IS managers, IS personnel, analysis, individual differences, personality traits, programmers