An Investigation of the Perceptions Influencing the Intention to Major in Information Technology
Keywords:
technology, career, influence, education, perceptionsAbstract
Talented and experienced personnel are essential to maintain an organization’s capacity to implement information technology initiatives. The demand for technology personnel relative to the supply of skilled personnel has formed a challenge with the recruiting and retention of technology personnel. This research study has compiled the perceptions and attitudes associated with information technology careers over five years. The study provides empirical insight into various factors which could influence the intention to select information technology as a higher education major. The results of this study found that aptitude and subjective norms are the most influential factors in the intention to major in technology. While resulting in a smaller influence, the regression model found two other significant factors including personal image and media. The personal image was the only negative influence on the intent to major. While this subject has been studied through various research studies, the outcomes reiterate the continuing disconnection related to career information and stereotypes associated with business technology professionals. The results of this research will offer employers and educational institutions (K-12 through higher education) various strategies to increase interest in business information technology careers. The challenges associated with increasing technology majors to fulfill market demand will continue without the implementation of new and refined strategies coupled with continuing assessment and published research.
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