Title: Identifying measurable value dimensions of information technology occupational culture and its effect on job satisfaction: a mixed method grounded theory

Authors: Tuğba Koç; Adem Akbıyık

Addresses: Sakarya Business School, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus, 54187 Sakarya, Turkey ' Sakarya Business School, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus, 54187 Sakarya, Turkey

Abstract: This study has two main aims: first, it investigates the core cultural values of the IT profession and their effects on job satisfaction. Second, it analyses the separate impact of the other two cultural levels (national and organisational) on job satisfaction. To do this, a mixed method grounded theory is conducted. Ten information technology occupational culture (ITOC) values, namely: adaptation, precision in communication, enjoyment, teamwork, 3U demands of the customers, management support, social image, group consciousness, technical jargon, and uncertainty of task limits, were investigated. Eight identified categories showed similarities with previous research; however, management support and uncertainty tasks limits emerged as unique for this study and Turkey. In the second stage, revealed cultural values were turned into measurable dimensions, and the theoretical research model was tested. Results indicated that organisational and occupational culture had a significant and positive effect on job satisfaction, whereas national culture did not. This study is an effort to reveal the predictors of IT professionals' job satisfaction and investigate ITOC values outside of the Western context countries.

Keywords: IT occupational culture; mixed method; grounded theory; developing country.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2024.138196

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2024 Vol.18 No.3, pp.229 - 267

Received: 01 Jun 2022
Accepted: 26 Dec 2022
Published online: 30 Apr 2024 *

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