Women Students More Positive about Computers than Men

New York, NY -- Women business students hold more positive attitudes about using computers, are more convinced of their computers' usefulness, and are more comfortable in using computers than their male counterparts. These unexpected results come from research first published in the Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal, a publication of the Organizational Systems Research Association.

This new research challenges the prevailing assumption that men are more comfortable with computers than women. The shift in attitudes has important implications for teachers, curriculum developers and career counselors.

"Because females have a higher regard for the contribution of technology to productivity improvement and are more comfortable with technology than men, they should be encouraged to pursue technology-related careers," say researchers Charles Ray, Carolee Sormunen, and Thomas Harris, professors in the College of Business at Ball State University. "Their positive attitudes and comfort levels with technology may make women especially adept at creative applications of technology."

There are implications for the business world as well. In an interview, Professor Ray noted that this study "could contribute to a reversal of frequent stereotyping in assumptions about females and computers. If managers who make decisions about promotions, employee training, and employee development believe that women are less interested in technical positions that involve computers extensively, females may be overlooked."

"We believe that the perceptions of management about technology and gender are pivotal when diversity issues are involved," add the researchers.