Determinants of job satisfaction among systems professionals: An empirical study of the impact of CASE tool usage and career orientations

The process of developing computer information systems and software applications has evolved from the use of paper and pencil techniques to the use of more advanced methods. One practice that has gained favor in recent years is the use of automated means to improve the productivity and efficiency of systems development personnel and deliver systems of higher quality and reliability. Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools are one of these automated techniques being used today. However, with the introduction of automation come changes in IS personnel perceptions of whether these products "deskill" or "upgrade" the quality of work life.; A research model depicting the impact of job profile, career orientation, and CASE technology sophistication on the job satisfaction of IS personnel using these tools was developed. A total of 226 IS professionals, from over 30 Fortune 500-type firms, participated in the study. An extensive analysis of the mast common CASE tool features used, as well as those needed but not possessed, by these professionals was conducted.; Results of the study indicate that the use of CASE "empowers" (or "upgrades") work content for some IS personnel, primarily those performing analysis and development. Significant, positive correlations between these variables, analysis and development, and job satisfaction were found in these CASE environments. CASE has an "equalizing" effect on other workers, especially those performing maintenance functions. It is tenable that the tedious, repetitious, and routine nature of maintenance is mitigated through the use of these tools. In addition, the CASE Technology Sophistication variables, COMPLEXITY and OPTIMAL USE, positively moderated the relationship between managerial career orientations and job satisfaction, providing further evidence of the "empowering" effect of CASE. Furthermore, many workers, especially those engaged in extensive programming seem to perceive a pervasive "deskilling" effect, as indicated by the negative moderating effects of the CASE Technology Sophistication variables on the job satisfaction-programming relationship.; Thus, evidence supporting both sides of the "upgrading" versus "deskilling" debate was found. Finally, IS personnel whose career orientation matched their job profile were more satisfied with their job than those who were mismatched, consistent with prior research into this area.