Generation X women in high technology

• Published in: Career Development International 2005, Vol.10 (3), p.216-227
• Main Authors: Feyerherm, Ann, Vick, Yvonne H.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Employee turnover; Glass ceilings; Management power; Women executives
• ISSN: 1362-0436
• DOI: 10.1108/13620430510598337

Purpose Seeks to undertake research of Generation X women in high technology in order to determine what type of corporate environment would support their needs for professional success, personal fulfillment, and sustain longerterm employment. Designmethodologyapproach This qualitative study looked at highpotential Generation X women born between 19651980 within the hightechnology industry and explored their relationship with work which means how they interact with bosses, peers, subordinates, and the corporate culture. Findings The study found that, for Generation X women, personal fulfillment was intrinsically connected to professional success, and that they wanted support from their companies in terms of mentors for guidance and development, opportunities to excel, recognition for efforts, relationships, and flexibility to achieve worklife balance. Research limitationsimplications The sample size was small and, while the research applies to the hightechnology industry, care would need to be taken in wholesale application to all industries. The way Generation X women perceive the importance of worklife balance carries implications for corporations in terms of training, development, promotional practices and corporate culture. Originalityvalue If companies can provide a cultural environment to support attainment of professional success and personal fulfillment as defined by these women, it may provide a link to longerterm employment, reduced employee turnover, and improved bottom line corporate performance.