A Cohort Analysis of the Changing Gender Composition of MIS Faculty

Abstract

Synthetic degree cohorts constructed from 1992 and 1995 directories of management information systems (MIS) faculty are used to analyze the changing characteristics of women in MIS. The change in the status of women in MIS during previous decades parallels those throughout U.S. society with increasing numbers of well-qualified women entering the discipline. Women are entering the discipline at higher rates than men and are more likely to have a doctorate in MIS/CIS. Women are achieving parity with men for several characteristics; however, they are still more likely to be employed as lecturers and instructors, and the relative odds of a woman holding a full professorship are relatively low. The likelihood of promotion to associate or full professorships among women is the same or slightly higher than for men. However, large numbers of women in untenured ranks coupled with odds of promotion that are only marginally higher than those for men suggest that the “glass ceiling” in MIS will persist for the foreseeable future.