Social Relations of IT Professionals with Other Professional Groups: Network Modeling and Results of Empirical Analysis

Abstract

Introduction. The relationship of IT specialists to representatives of other professional groups is built in different ways – from cooperation to conflicts. The important practical significance of the analysis of this problem actualizes the development of theoretical and methodological foundations for the study and diagnosis of relations between IT specialists and representatives of other socio-professional groups based on an appeal to values. This is important for a holistic understanding of the trends in the development of the social structure of modern society.Methodology and sources. The multi-paradigm platform of work is formed on the ideas of two directions. Firstly, the fundamental principles of the theory of P.A. Sorokin on the sociodynamics of values in the process of social development are used; the ideas of D.A. Leontiev on the connections of individual and group values; approaches to the construction of methodological procedures for diagnosing values, set out in the works of V.A. Yadov and N.I. Lapin. Another part of the study is formed on the provisions M. Grannoweter’s theory of the strength of weak ties. The methodological procedure of the study is based on the technologies for assessing the relevance of professions proposed by J. Holland.Results and discussion. On the basis of network models of relations between IT specialists, it is shown that interaction with professionals of various professional groups is carried out in different ways. The professional groups with which IT specialists develop tense relations are shown, which is due to the specifics of their professional competencies. The sociodynamics of changes in professional values is revealed as the status and role positions of IT specialists change.Conclusion. The conducted research shows that the attitudes of IT specialists to actors of other professional groups of external social interaction are built inconsistently and ambiguously. Relationships between IT professionals and other professions are formed more like relationships oriented towards different values and variables. In this sense, a group of IT professionals can be perceived as a special case. Unlike relationships within the group of IT professionals themselves, relationships with professionals of other specialties are predominantly situational in nature and are more likely determined by some specific conditions and circumstances, specific people and specific factors than by the unity or solidarity of professional values and interests.