Exploring the Systems Analyst Skill Set: Perceptions, Preferences, Age, and Gender

Abstract

Information systems (IS) workers need an appropriate skill set to effectively exploit technology innovations. Social constructivist theory would indicate that some aspect of a systems analyst's job evolution is attributable to the nature of both their perceptions of importance for various job skills and preferences toward using their professional job skills. Self-report survey data gathered from 124 systems analysts reveal analysts collectively recognize all skill dimensions explored have some degree of importance to their role. Systems analysts seem to perceive their role as a socio-technical function and desire this functional duality as they rank interpersonal skills and system development skills significantly higher than political skills and knowledge, technology skills, and business task knowledge for both preferences to use and perceptions of importance. Results show differences exist in perceptions and preferences among the sexes and age groups studied. Findings will add to the existing body of IS human resources research, and provide job development and career planning.

• information systems job skills
• skill gaps
• gender differences
• age differences
• systems analysts
• interpersonal skills
• organizational skills
• technology skills