First Advisor
Plantz-Masters, Shari
Second Advisor
Lupo, James
Third Advisor
Likarish, Dan
College
College for Professional Studies
Degree Name
MS Information Technology Management
School
School of Computer & Information Science
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Number of Pages
79 pages
Abstract
The number of women in Information Technology in the United States has historically been lower than the number of men in the field. This study explores the reasons behind this disparity and recommends steps that can be taken to increase the number of women in the field. This qualitative study examines why women are not attracted to the Information Technology field and examines reasons why women leave the field. Surveys were conducted with two populations, (1) women who currently work in Information Technology and (2) Information Technology recruiters. The results of these surveys were analyzed to see if there were trends that confirmed why women are not attracted to Information Technology careers or tend to leave the field early. Several barriers were discovered during data analysis which corroborated prior researchers' findings that work-life balance, lack of mentors and working alongside the Information Technology male stereotype are reasons why there are fewer women in the field. The study concludes by offering suggestions on how generating more interest in the Information Technology field can be accomplished by better defining what Information Technology is and also by engaging women who currently hold Information Technology positions to support young women to become interested in the field.
Date of Award
Spring 2011
Location (Creation)
Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)
Copyright
© William Baker
Rights Statement
All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.
Recommended Citation
Baker, William, "A Qualitative Study To Explore The Low Number Of Women In Information Technology In The United States" (2011). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 737.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/737