“Women hold 46.7% of the U.S. labor force — but they account for only 3% of top executive positions (Catalyst, 2010). An even more alarming statistic, women account for only 1.1% of the average number of executive officers in the Information Technology industry.”
Catalyst. (2010). Women in U.S. Management.
Catalyst. (2009). 2009 Catalyst Census: Fortune 500.
Hello, I’m Tamara Mumford, a student at the University of Phoenix where I’m actively seeking my Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership with a Specialization in Information Systems and Technology).
As a doctoral student, my written dissertation is entitled: Women Overcoming Gender Imbalance in Information Technology. In finalizing my dissertation, I’ll need to conduct a study on the experiences of executive level female workers in the field of Information Technology in the U.S. workforce. Therefore, I’m seeking female volunteers who hold or have held an executive level position in the field of Information Technology. An executive level position is defined as one where an individual is a manager of managers and devises strategies or formulates policies to ensure that the goals and objectives of their company or department are met. Executive level positions may include titles such as Sr. Manager, Director, Chief Data Officer (CDO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chairman, Vice Chairman, Vice President, and President.
Participation will be voluntary. Complete confidentiality will be maintained and after initial contact the participant’s name, email, phone number, or any other identifying information will be removed from all gathered information. An alphanumeric code known only by the researcher will be attached to the participant’s information. A consensual form along with additional details in regards to the study will be provided to the participant. Please note there is no known risk attached to participating in this study or no direct benefit is attached to participating in this study.
I will interview participants at their conveniences, anticipating interviews to last approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours and consisting of questions related to their IT experiences in the workforce such as:
What motivated you to enter the field of Information Technology (IT)?
What motivated you to pursue a leadership or executive level position in the IT field?
What characteristics do you feel you possess that enable you to sustain your position?
What strategies do you feel have contributed to your success?
The information provided by participants may assist future and/or current females in the field of Information Technology, IT organizations or IT leaders develop strategies to more effectively aid in the advancement of women in IT to positions of leadership.
If you’d like to participate in or have any questions regarding this study, please contact me at 513-435-4020 or [email protected]. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
Tamara Mumford
Doctoral Candidate
University of Phoenix-Online