The Perceived Uniqueness of the IS Profession: The Role of Gender

This research investigated gender differences in the characteristics IS managers perceive to be unique to the IS profession. An interpretivist perspective, qualitative data collection (i.e., focus group interviews) and the revealed causal mapping data analysis method were used to evoke and represent mental models (i.e., cognitive structures) of men and women in the IS field regarding the unique characteristics of their profession. By comparing these mental models we uncovered different strategic views of professional identity within our participants. A lack of consistency in how IS professional identity is conceptualized could lead to a fragmented sense of professional community and disengagement at the individual level.