Perhaps it’s time for a fresh approach to IS/IT gender research? - Information Systems Foundations: Constructing and Criticising - page 91

time and the resources available for this research. Based on the qualitative literature,
the appropriate number of interviews is dependent upon the projected depth of analysis
and the proposed representativeness of the research (Connell et al., 2001). In any case,
that evening six women volunteered to participate. It was interesting to observe that
most of the women approached by, or who themselves approached, the researcher during
the course of the evening expressed their interest in the research but also expressed
their reservations regarding the relevance of their contribution. Comments like 'I don't
think I'm the right person to speak to' or 'I'm not sure if I really do the right kind of work
- I'm not very technical' were common although a few questions generally showed that
the women were indeed employed in the IS/IT sector. Comments such as these are perhaps
indicative of the fundamental difference in approach that women exhibit compared to
men in similar roles in the industry.
The choice of research participants was based on the following criteria. The women
needed to be currently working in IS/IT in either the public or private sectors in Hobart,
readily accessible and willing to take part in the research and available for an interview
during the required research time of the research.
Subsequent to the WIITT social event two more women volunteered to participate. This
brought the total number of volunteers to eight. The potential participants were contacted
shortly after the WIITT event to thank them for their offer of participation and to let
them know that they would be contacted again to organise the interview. They all ex-
pressed their ongoing support for the research. In keeping with a feminist epistemology
this second personal contact was yet another occasion to build rapport with the women
who were prepared to contribute to the research.
Data collection and analysis
Data collection was based on the use of semi-structured interviews that aimed to encour-
age participants to provide their own views and perspectives of their experiences
working in an IS/IT work environment. A combination of open and closed questions
was used. The majority of the questions began with 'how' or 'what' as a reminder to
keep the question broad and open, and were worded to encourage descriptive replies.
For example: 'How did you get into information systems?' and 'What do you envisage for
yourself in your professional career?' .
A prepared interview guide was also used to stimulate discussion. This was based on
the personal experience and understanding of the primary researcher, gained from
working for a number of years in the IS/IT industry. It provided a solid starting position,
and offered the ability, when appropriate, to pursue interesting responses with probing
questions.
Pilot Interview
Prior to the main interviews a pilot interview was conducted to ensure the questions
were easily understood, to test the application of the interview guide and assess the pace
necessary to complete the interview. The pilot took place with a female IS professional
who had lengthy experience working in the IS/IT sector in Tasmania. It was completed
within the projected 60-minute time frame and the interview schedule worked effectively
in encouraging the woman to relate her personal experiences of working in the IS/IT
industry.