Computerized offices in Canada and the United States: Investigating dispositional similarities and differences

Abstract

A scale measuring computer dispositions was used in order to examine whether computerization of work affects employees similarly or differently in Canada and the United States. The study explores the possibility that employees may differ intraculturally, that is, according to gender, hierarchical level in the firm, and whether they work with intelligent work‐stations or main‐frame terminals. The data indicates that intracultural differences are apparent according to type of computer used, gender, and hierarchical level of the respondents. What concerned U.S. female respondents about computer‐mediated work did not necessarily apply to their Canadian counterparts.

Office Technology and Employee Attitudes

“…In contrast to Spenner's previously mentioned theory that no clear match exists between employee skill levels and required job skills, self-selection theories state that people tend to choose positions which meet their needs and allow them to utilize most of their skills (e.g., Brousseau, 1983). While technologies may change work content at various levels, attitudes would not necessarily reflect such changes (Gattiker, 1984;Gattiker & Nelligan, 1988).…”

“…If there are differences between 338 managers and support personnel, for example, additional research on work groups or workers in various industries and countries might be pursued (cf. Gattiker & Nelligan, 1988). An attempt has been made here to expand the research on office technology by studying user perceptions.…”

“…We found no significant differences based on gender, except in personal computers and quality of work life. Some researchers have suggested that women tend to use personal computers for work only, while men also find private applications for them, which may account for the differences found here (Gattiker & Nelligan, 1988).…”

Evaluating Gender Significance within a Pair Programming Context

“…With the male-male pair, their high-level of perceived communication and compatibility may largely depend on their similar analytical and administrative conducts [16], [17], [21]. They are not necessarily sharing or sympathizing with their partner's psychological or emotional experience or feeling, but rather agreeing with each other on quick, decisive, and logical programming decision-making without much discussion or change in decisions [36].…”

“…Gender also plays a role in attitude, perception, and judgment [16], [17], [21]. Women are found to be more concerned about others and tend to conform more to societal norms; in contrast, men are driven more by individual attitudes and objectives.…”