• Corpus ID: 18636004

Men's and Women's Attitudes toward Computer Technology: A Comparison

@inproceedings{Ray1999MensAW,
  title={Men's and Women's Attitudes toward Computer Technology: A Comparison},
  author={Charles M. Ray and Carolee Sormunen and Thomas M. Harris},
  year={1999}
}

• Charles M. Ray, Carolee Sormunen, Thomas M. Harris
• Published 1999
• Business

This study examined three research questions that compared the attitudes of men and women about (1) the value of technology in making users more productive, (2) the impact of computer technology on people and their work environments, and (3) the relative comfort of men and women when using computers. The study used an attitudes inventory constructed to identify attitudes associated with gender issues reflected in the literature. The inventory was administered to 62 subjects who were students in a university business communication course. Analyses of the findings indicate that, contrary to earlier studies on these issues, women reflected more positive attitudes than men on all three scales. Females held more positive attitudes than males regarding the value of computers to make users more productive. Although neither men nor women in this group reflected concern about the impact of technology on people and their work environments, women were more positive than men in this regard. Women also reflected greater comfort in using computers than men. The results carry implications for both education and business. Educators, trainers, and managers should reexamine their behaviors as they make decisions regarding career choices, on-the-job training opportunities, and job placement. Previous indicators that men are more receptive to technology in learning and training environments appear to have changed.