Causes of turnover among data processing professionals—some preliminary findings

ABSTRACT

The critical shortage of the data processing (DP) professionals is a well-known fact; the causes of this shortage include at least two factors—increase in the demand for DP professionals and a high degree of turnover. The objective of this research is to investigate the causes and incidence of turnover reported by a cross-sectional sample of DP professionals at various stages of their careers. In the correlational design that will be used for the study, the dependent variables include self-reported turnover within the previous three-year period, satisfaction with present job, the behavioral intention to leave one's present job within a one-year period, and turnover within one year. Independent variables include individuals' descriptions of organizational characteristics (type of organization, salary, fringe benefits, size of DP unit, promotional opportunities, sophistication of DP equipment); job characteristics (duties performed, interpersonal interactions) of present position and those held within the previous three years; and selected individual variables (number of years in DP career age, marital status, number and ages of dependents, educational background and career goals.)

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems
          Subjects: Decision support (e.g., MIS)

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.1 Occupations

General Terms:
Human Factors, Management