| Beyond the illusion of perfected information technology lays a drama known only to those who work with the industry. Technological distresses include faulty information systems, interrupted networks, missing information, incorrect data, and ceaseless work. Information technology “wizards” are expected to work wonders in an environment of continuous, accelerating change, and to defeat or control the information system “dragon.” This grounded theory study presents a comprehensive view of IT culture including a portrait of individuals engaged in IT work, their perceptions of IT work, and their perceptions of IT as an occupational culture as defined by Van Maanen and Barley (1984).; A review of the literature review covered studies organized into the following categories: (1) the work, especially the nature of IT work and characteristics of IT workers, job satisfaction, IT environment, and workplace trends; (2) the culture, including organizational culture, occupational culture, and IT as an occupational culture; (3) the person, particularly issues of work/family balance, stress, information overload, and burnout; and (4) implications for new theory. Studies of the interrelationships between IT work, the IT occupational culture, and IT workers are non-existent.; The methodology for this study was grounded theory, which utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. Data collection techniques included individual interviews, individual model building, focus groups, and a web survey. Data analysis explored the integration of three elements: (1) Information Technology work, (2) the IT occupational culture, and (3) the personal lives of IT professionals.; Nine theoretical propositions were generated regarding the reciprocal influence of these three elements. Propositions centered on sense-making processes and structures, the fragility of reality, the centrality of quality, and the tension between challenge and balance. The study concludes with recommendations for further research, recommendations for organizations employing IT professionals, and recommendations for educational organizations. |
