Perceptions of the effect of IT on staff: observed differences between the outcomes of studies in the construction industry

Abstract

The general aim of this study was to compare outcomes from the studies entitled, "Analysis of Phenomenological perceptions of effectiveness of information technology in computerised maintenance management" (Clarke and Clarke 1999), "Effectiveness of LT. in computerised maintenance management: a longitudinal study of the analysis of phenomenological perceptions"(Clarke 2000), "Perceptions of the effect of LT. on training, human relations and productivity as a function of position, age, experience and gender" (Clarke and Clarke 2001) and "A longitudinal study into perceptions of the effect of LT. on training, human relations and productivity in the construction industry as a function of position, age, experience and gender" (Clarke and Heathcote 2001). The framework technique developed in these studies was used to identify trends in perceptions of such fundamental facets as efficiency of training and information technology, the effect of information technology on human relations within the workplace, the perceived impact of information technology on the efficiency of occupational performance, as a function of position (within the organisation), age, experience and gender. The empirical data was collected, over time, through structured interviews within a large public sector asset management organisation. The data was collated and examined under categories of training, human relations and productivity as a function of position, age, experience and gender. Results obtained from these studies by analysis through t-tests between management and support staff, younger and older, inexperienced and experienced together with female and male staff revealed that all groups perceived Information Technology (IT) as beneficial in terms of training, human relations and both qualitative and quantitative outcomes. The level of satisfaction observed concurs with a multiplicity of previous researchers findings regarding I.T.'s benefits in terms of other quantitative and qualitative outcomes, in industry. The observed changes in perception of the various groups, over time, are investigated and discussed with a focus on probable causes. Further research is suggested into the interaction between perceptions and outcomes. In particular staff attribution styles are briefly explored as an area warranting further investigation.