Closing the Gender Gap: Initial Findings and Lessons Learned from a German Medium-Sized IT Services Company's Efforts for Career Changers

Authors

Kathrin Heinle, University of Hagen, GermanyFollow
Kristina Kusanke, University of Hagen, GermanyFollow
Jennifer Kendziorra, University of Hagen, GermanyFollow
Anne-Katrin Witte, University of Hagen, GermanyFollow

Abstract

Digital transformation is driving demand for information technology (IT) professionals. Addressing the underrepresentation of women in IT is a promising way to expand the pool of potential candidates. This research aims to determine how women without IT-specific knowledge can potentially contribute to reducing the gender gap in the German IT sector, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. A case study with qualitative interviews within a medium-sized IT service company was conducted to answer the research question. The results reveal that targeted job advertisements can successfully introduce women from other sectors to the possibility of a career change in the IT environment. In this way, new female employees can be recruited, reducing the gender gap.

Paper Number

216

Comments

Track 15: Student Track

Recommended Citation

Heinle, Kathrin; Kusanke, Kristina; Kendziorra, Jennifer; and Witte, Anne-Katrin, "Closing the Gender Gap: Initial Findings and Lessons Learned from a German Medium-Sized IT Services Company's Efforts for Career Changers" (2023). Wirtschaftsinformatik 2023 Proceedings. 33.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/wi2023/33