Leveraging Diversity with Information Technology

Abstract

The role of diversity among individuals and groups in explaining differences in the results of group support system (GSS) use is recognized in the literature as important but has not been adequately investigated. Moreover, knowledge of such effects may be of limited use if a meaningful way of using this information is not available. This article looks into the effects of one aspect of diversity-gender In a preliminary analysis of gender effects, a model incorporating gender, attitude toward GSS, and variables that moderate the relationship between them is constructed. Data from two studies are used to test the model using the partial least-squares technique. The finding thatfemales had more positive attitudes toward GSS use is examined within the framework of the model, and suggestions are presented concerning the use of this information to improve GSS design and use as well as to study other aspects of workforce diversity. Although the analysis is exploratory in nature, it serves to show that the issues of gender and diversity are worthy offurther attention and demonstrates the usefulness of a modelfor the further study of gender in the context of variables that more fully reflect its role in GSS use.