Female Information and Communication Technology Professionals' Perceptive Description of Work and Home Intricacies

Cogent OA. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

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Females; Information Technology; Family Work Relationship; Professional Personnel; Gender Issues; Work Environment; Self Concept; Foreign Countries; Responsibility; Barriers; Sex Role

10.1080/2331186X.2023.2224990

2331-186X

Based on biographical interviews from a telecommunications organisation, this study aims to contribute to the debate on understanding and accounting for the work-life balance intricacies of female Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals. An exploratory cross-sectional design adopting a qualitative case study approach with semi-structured interviews with 16 female ICT professionals was used. In male-dominated sectors, understanding female ICT Professionals' perceptive description of work and home intricacies is essential. It leads to an understanding of the issues emanating from work-life balance. Participants perceived their careers as a large part of their self-identity and were very proud of the dedication and hard work required in the ICT field. Participants also found a sense of collegiality and camaraderie in the workplace, which gave them a sense of belonging and benefit to their self-worth. The findings may be used to adapt various organisational practices and understand the concept of family in ways that include responsibilities other than being a caregiver or homemaker. A more in-depth insight into individuals' work-life balance intricacies was achieved by adopting a qualitative case study approach. The telecommunications organisation could utilise the results from this study to develop appropriate work-life balance and Human Resource strategies to create flexible workplaces conducive to the attraction, motivation, and retention of highly valued women.

As Provided

2024

EJ1405309