Social relations in the ICT workplace : the gender dimension of social capital

Tattersall, AL

Abstract

This thesis is about social relations in the ICT workplace and the gender dimensions
of social capital. The concept of 'social capital' has only recently been recognised in
studies of organisations, yet its legitimacy is clear in terms of being an important tool
for career success. The gender dimensions of social capital are also significant by
their absence in analysis. How social capital is formed, utilised and accessed by
groups differ and a lack of valued social capital lies at the heart of what prevents
women moving up organisational hierarchies. I place gender firmly in the centre of
investigating the experiences of women in the ICT labour market and how social
capital shaped their careers. Underpinning and informing the research is that
women working in the ICT labour market are in a 'token' or 'minority1 position,
severely under-represented and facing a chilly organisational climate. Mechanisms
of inclusion and exclusion within the ICT workplace are engrained in informal work
practices. Taking a critical feminist approach I conducted 27 in-depth interviews
between 2004 and 2007 and 195 respondents completed an on-line questionnaire in
2005.
Findings are discussed using Kanter's framework of 'Visibility', 'Polarisation' and
'Assimilation' to understand the role of social capital for women in a minority position
within ICT organisations. This framework is extended to centralise the issue of
gender and social relations and how these are played out. My research reveals that
women face problems with regard to heightened visibility, exclusion, isolation and
stereotyping. The social relations formed are on the terms and conditions of the
male majority and women are disproportionately underrepresented in terms of
power, policy and decision making. I discuss a number of changes needed in policy
IXand organisational practice, whilst making significant contribution to the under
theorised area of social capital and the importance of gender dimensions.

Citation

Tattersall, A. Social relations in the ICT workplace : the gender dimension of social capital. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010