Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants

An Investigation of Students' Stereotypes of IS Professionals

Department

Management

College

Seidman College of Business

Date Range

2011-2012

Abstract

Over the last decade, declining enrollments in the Information Systems and related disciplines has been a major concern for academic institutions offering IS degrees and companies that are in need of hiring qualified professionals. Academic and popular literature suggests that one plausible explanation for declining enrollments is the negative stereotypical image students have about IS professionals and the profession. However, there is a lack of empirical research that investigates the image of IS professionals from students’ perspective. Utilizing domain identification theory, this study will address this important research gap.

The survey methodology will be used to collect the data. The introductory level IS course is believed to have a significant role in shaping students’ image of IS professionals and the profession. Therefore, the sample will consist of students enrolled in an introductory IS course at a large, public university located in the United States. A multidimensional scale will be used to measure the different dimensions of the stereotypes construct.

The study’s findings will have important implication for IS programs, as the information gained in this study will facilitate a deeper understanding of IS stereotypes and its impact on students’ academic and occupational interests and choices. University educators can use this information to design and implement specific intervention strategies to attract larger pools of students to the IS discipline.

Conference Name

The Midwest Region of the Decision Sciences Institute Annual Conference

Conference Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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