Undergraduate student attitudes toward MIS: Instrument development and changing perceptions of the field across gender and time

Abstract

The MIS field suffers from two pressing workforce issues, underrepresentation of women and inadequate supply of entry level talent. To examine these issues, this study develops an instrument to measure attitudes toward MIS (Attitude toward success, usefulness, confidence in learning, and effectance motivation) and perceptions of both MIS and MIS professionals. Data from 1102 college students collected over a five-year period were then used to test gender differences within and across time periods. In spite of recent efforts, little progress has been made to improve attitudes and perceptions. However, in contrast to expectations, views appear not so different across gender. © 2014 by the Association for Information Systems.