Suchergebnisse

This article describes the transformation of time into money in information technology consulting work. Using data collected through participant observation, this article illustrates the valorization of time, whereby time is transformed into units of value, known as billables. Focusing on the process of valorization provides new theoretical insight into the social construction of time as money. Routine billing practices help sustain the taken-for-granted equivalence of time and money, but these practices are strongly influenced by a variety of normative and situational factors. Billables are used by consulting firms to measure performance and control work, but the evidence presented here suggests that time-based measures of work and value can be somewhat arbitrary.

Women comprise 44 percent of the labor movement, but a smaller percentage of union leaders. We discuss the importance of having a leadership that is representative of the membership, some of the differences between male and female leadership, and why the labor movement needs more women leaders. In order to promote women's leadership, we first discuss a four‐stage model of how union leaders develop: finding your voice, developing basic skills, figuring out the politics, and setting the agenda. We then add suggestions about what current union leaders can do to promote women's leadership at each of these four stages.

This paper examines issues of support for women with Information Technology (IT) careers. Data was collected from interviews with 38 women, which lasted about 90 minutes. Questions were open-ended regarding aspects of their careers and career paths. The women represented a wide variety of experience and nine different industry sectors and at varying organizational levels. Research on the lack of women in STEM disciplines focuses mainly on undergraduate education and attracting women to STEM disciplines, focusing on "filling the pipeline." This paper examines what it takes to have a successful, satisfying career, highlighting areas of support for women that may influence their success in IT careers.