Leadership perceptions of information technology (IT) employee career development: A phenomenological study

The offshoring movement has had a profound effect on U.S. based IT employee career development and growth opportunities. This phenomenological study included an analysis of the central phenomenon through observations and lived experiences of 10 HR managers and 10 IT operational managers equally distributed between two U.S. based IT services companies. Twenty-three core themes emerged from participant interviews regarding the concept of optimal U.S. based IT employee career development in this era of offshoring. Core themes were categorized into three preponderant areas: changes in the industry, actions of the employer, and employee reactions. Complex challenges facing both employees and employers were addressed and thoughtful insight was provided for leaders to consider and implement in optimizing career development programs and future opportunities for the U.S. based IT employee.