Examining the influence of occupational characteristics, gender and work-life balance on IT professionals' occupational satisfaction and occupational commitment

Abstract

PurposeIn response to the tech skills gap, this research paper aims to examine the influence of occupational characteristics, gender and work-life balance on IT professionals' satisfaction with and commitment to their chosen occupation. In addition, the authors explore occupational differences across these investigated factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed a survey research method and partial least squares (PLS) modeling using 293 responses collected from professionals representing five clusters of Information Technology (IT) occupations. Authors further conducted exploratory post-hoc analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests to check for significant differences in key constructs across five IT occupational clusters.FindingsOccupational characteristics were found to be significantly related to respondents' occupational satisfaction while work-life balance was associated with their level of occupational commitment. Authors also found that that the influence of work-life balance on occupational commitment was more positive for females than for males. Finally, significant differences were found for task significance, task variety, task autonomy, work-life balance and compensation across the five occupational clusters examined.Originality/valueA key contribution of this study is the focus on IT professionals' satisfaction with and commitment to their chosen occupation rather than a job, organization or profession. Accordingly, the authors contribute a nuanced understanding of an occupation as a facet of job, professional and career outcomes. Authors also explore how gender moderates the influence of work-life balance on occupational commitment. Finally, rather than treating the IT profession as a unified whole as has been done in most prior studies, authors explore satisfaction and commitment related differences across occupational clusters.

Work-life balance and work-related attitudes of employees: Case study in Serbian hotel industry

“…That is why the recommendation of the authors Soomro et al (2018) is to determine the intensity of the conflict between life and business obligations so that it does not become a permanent stressor that leads to poorer performance and irresponsible work attitudes. Young et al (2022) conclude that work-life balance is related to the level of employees' occupational commitment. Considering the characteristics of the hotel industry (labor-intensive activity, insufficiently good working conditions, high turnover of employees) as well as the crucial role of work-life balance in the well-being of employees (Karkoulian, Srour & Sinan, 2016), there is a need to examine the impact of work-life balance on work-related attitudes of employees in hotels.…”

“…A good work-life balance implies that employees use the possibilities of flexible working hours programs to balance their work and other obligations outside of work (Moore, 2007). Work and family are seen as two key sources of people's stress because they require most of a person's time, attention, and energy during the day (Young, McLeod, & Carpenter, 2022). The purpose of establishing a work-life balance is for employees to find the rhythm that will enable them to combine work with their non-work responsibilities, activities, and aspirations (Hughes, & Bozionelos, 2007).…”

“…According to this theory, all people have different social roles at any given time, with each role defined as a set of specific expectations that drive behavior and cognition within those roles (Thrasher et al, 2022). Young et al (2022) observe work-life balance from a psychological aspect and connect the analysis of work-life balance with occupational stress theory.…”

Exploring the Journey and Perspectives of Women County Executives in Tennessee

“…For instance, Haines and McKeown (2023) explored the perceived obstacles women face in healthcare leadership and found that work-life balance and the impact on family and children were major challenges. Young et al (2023) examined the work-life balance and influence of occupational characteristics of information technology professionals and found that women were more likely than men to align occupational commitment to work-life balance with its implications for the family.…”

A Cross-Country Examination of Internet Penetration and the Economic Participation of Women: The Influence of Social Capital and Gender Equality

“…The Internet has had a profound impression on the labour market—both by fostering the emergence of new occupations and by making existing ones more inclusive, inventive, adaptable and accessible—is among their most important impacts (Dettling, 2017; Tuure et al, 2019). Additionally, having an adequate connection to the Internet allows women to have a more flexible work-life balance by enabling them to work remotely (Suhaida et al, 2013; Young et al, 2022). The following study specifically focusses on the Internet and its influence on women’s economic participation.…”