Perhaps it’s time for a fresh approach to IS/IT gender research? - Information Systems Foundations: Constructing and Criticising - page 87

8. Perhaps it's time for a fresh
approach to IS/IT gender research?
Phyl Webb, School of Information Systems, University of
Tasmania
Judy Young, School of Information Systems, University of
Tasmania
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the value of the adoption of a feminist epistemo-
logy in information systems and information technology (IS/IT) gender research. Much
of the research undertaken in IS/IT in relation to gender issues adopts a positivist
philosophy. A feminist research approach is rarely used in IS/IT gender research. This
is despite the fact that it is generally accepted that the IS/IT workplace is 'gendered'
and embodies a tacit masculine norm. This paper adopts a feminist research approach
in a case study that explores imbalance in Tasmanian (Australia) IS/IT workplaces. The
aim of the research was to disclose common characteristics of women currently working
within the industry and to consider the factors that could impact on women moving to
or being placed in IS/IT positions. Clearly a research approach that enables the researcher
to explore the perspective of the research participant and as a consequence offer some
insights into the declining gender balance in the field offers significant benefits.
Introduction
Since the inception of the IS/IT industry women have been an under-represented human
resource (Nielsen et al., 2000; Panteli et al., 1999; Ahuja, 2002; The Women in Science
Engineering and Technology Advisory Group, 1995). In addition, many women who
gain professional qualifications in the area and enter the industry do not remain (O'Neill
and Walker, 2001). Largely, the problem has been attributed to a dominant male culture
in the IS/IT field. The ongoing gendered environment in IS/IT has been defined as the
perpetuation of the 'old corporate boys' club syndrome (O'Neill and Walker, 2001, p.
118). This implies that while women are not precluded from entering the industry, little
action is taken to recruit them or foster their career advancement opportunities through
involvement in managerial decision-making.
To date much of the research examining gender issues in IS/IT is framed within a posit-
ivist philosophy and uses quantitative methods. The value of this stream of research is
the measurement and quantification of the extent of the gender imbalance in the industry.
Generally the focus is on attempting to put in place policies and strategies to address
the problem (Pringle et al ., 2000). However this approach has been criticised because it
largely seeks to 'add more women' and fails to acknowledge and address the need to
change the gendered culture in IS/IT workplaces if, indeed, this is possible (Adam et
al., 2002).