Recruitment is never enough: retention of women and minorities in the IT workplace

Women, as well as African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are represented in the information technology (IT) workforce in percentages that are far lower than their percentages in the population as a whole. While recruiting efforts are crucial for increasing the participation of women and minorities, it is equally important that we retain those already in the IT workforce. Here we present an assessment of the relevant literature addressing retention issues for women and minorities. Some issues that arise from this literature can be applied directly to changes that must take place in the IT workplace such as; the development of gender/race/ethnic appropriate mentors, sponsors or role models in the work environment, the development of involvement of the family and/or community in support of the work environment, the development of a nurturing work environment to offset internalized out-group status, the development of a truly multicultural work environment that values ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: SIGCPR
• Authors: Andrea Tapia, Lynette Kvasny
• Keywords: Literature Addressing Retention, Retention Issues, SIGCPR 2004, Work Environment