A multivariate analysis of gender, age, and ethnicity as elements shaping technological attitudes, anxiety, and self-efficacy in workplace settings

Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to collect empirical data on workforce computer anxiety, attitudes and self-efficacy to determine if there were any significant differences based on gender, race and age. The collected data were also analyzed to learn if there was a relationship between the constructs of computer anxiety, computer attitudes, and computer self-efficacy. The design of this study was a 2 x 2 x 3 (12 cells) between-subjects design with multiple dependent variables. Specifically, the independent variables included two genders (male and female), two classifications of ethnicity (white and nonwhite), and three age groups (23-34, 35-44, and 45-64). The subject pool consisted of 898 employees in 21 companies in eight states from different management, administrative and technical areas.; Findings and conclusions. Significant negative correlations were found between computer self-efficacy and anxiety scores as well as attitudes and anxiety scores. This suggested that as computer self-efficacy and attitudes improved, computer anxiety decreased. Significant positive correlations were found between computer self-efficacy and attitudinal scores. This suggested that as computer self-efficacy improved, computer attitudes also improved. No significant independent differences were found between genders, ethnicities and age groups with respect to computer self-efficacy, anxiety or attitudes. However, a significant gender x age interaction was found for computer self-efficacy. It was concluded that the effects of self-efficacy were not consistent across age groups. Age group three self-efficacy scores significantly decreased, across gender, compared to the other two age groups. The omega squared value (.02) approximated a "small" effect for this interaction. It was concluded that the evidence strongly supports the presumption that increased exposure to computers and experience attenuates the levels of computer self-efficacy, attitudes and anxiety. Apprehension and self-doubt may not be consistent global phenomenons, but increase or decrease within the context of use and application. Females in this study appeared to have lower computer self-efficacy compared to males early in their careers, but consistently increased through experience. Males, on the other hand began their careers highly efficacious, but decreased over their careers due to apparent computer disuse and the managerial ability to delegate computer work. Females also exhibited this pattern across age groups, but may have been required to use computers even in managerial roles. Furthermore, it was concluded that differences in socialization processes and culture may represent early developmental opportunities for computer apprehension for females, minorities and the elderly. Minorities may share many commonalities that shape nonminority computer self-efficacy, attitudes and anxiety. However, other factors beyond personal experience may also be present that can enhance or erode nonwhite computer apprehension. Other research may identify or eliminate that possibility. Apparently, computer attitudes are not as strongly linked to self-efficacy and anxiety as some literature suggested. Attitudes on scales may be more of a projection of belief as it affects others (e.g., society) rather than oneself. Self-efficacy and anxiety may implicitly require more personal introspection, but require context for proper interpretation. Anxiety variables may include the ability to delegate computer work to subordinates. The threat of immediate computer use, especially under conditions that include approaching deadlines or unfamiliar software, may dramatically change expressed computer anxiety. Compulsory computer use in the workplace may also lessen the influence of attitudes upon performance and outcomes.