Management of creative class. The case of IT professionals in Latvia

Abstract

This paper has purpose to the study of factors for motivation of the creative class to work more efficiently. The paper examines the case of IT professionals in Latvia, a significant participant in knowledge economy. IT professionals are more flexible in terms of looking for a job on the labor market all over the world, opportunities of remote job allows they benefit on proposals from abroad, as there is a huge need for qualified IT employees in contemporary international environment. The article uses the results of an online survey of IT professionals in a sample of 1,200 individuals. Methodology of the study uses factor analysis and multiple regression models in order to reveal the connection between motivation for labour, stimulus for increasing productivity and demographic characteristics of IT professionals. The results of research show that IT professionals in Latvia are a special professional group and cannot be administrated using traditional management methods. The incentive for efficiency to work, which is associated with solving interesting and prestigious tasks, is universal for IT professionals with any motivation to work, regardless of any demographic characteristics. At the same time, material incentive motivates only ambitious people, and the fear of dismissal and calls for responsibility generally does not motivate anyone.