Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study

Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study by Shannon J. Thomas MS, Troy University, 2006 BS, Albany State University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2015 Abstract In the 21st century, retaining information technology (IT) professionals is critical to a company’s productivity and overall success. Senior IT leaders need effective strategies to retain skilled IT professionals. Guided by the general systems theory and the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the retention strategies used by 2 senior IT leaders in Atlanta, Georgia to retain IT professionals. Semistructured interviews were employed to elicit detailed narratives from these IT leaders on their experiences in retaining IT professionals. A review of company documents, as well as member-checking of initial interview transcripts, helped to bolster the trustworthiness of final interpretations. Those final interpretations included 4 main themes: (a) job-related benefits and compensation; (b) people-related approaches such as promotion, rewards, and recognition; (c) management, organizational, and leadership essentials that include recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees; and (d) barriers, critical factors, and ineffective strategies affecting the retention of IT professionals. By implementing supportive management practice and encouraging employees to embrace the organization culture, company leaders canIn the 21st century, retaining information technology (IT) professionals is critical to a company’s productivity and overall success. Senior IT leaders need effective strategies to retain skilled IT professionals. Guided by the general systems theory and the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the retention strategies used by 2 senior IT leaders in Atlanta, Georgia to retain IT professionals. Semistructured interviews were employed to elicit detailed narratives from these IT leaders on their experiences in retaining IT professionals. A review of company documents, as well as member-checking of initial interview transcripts, helped to bolster the trustworthiness of final interpretations. Those final interpretations included 4 main themes: (a) job-related benefits and compensation; (b) people-related approaches such as promotion, rewards, and recognition; (c) management, organizational, and leadership essentials that include recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees; and (d) barriers, critical factors, and ineffective strategies affecting the retention of IT professionals. By implementing supportive management practice and encouraging employees to embrace the organization culture, company leaders can succeed in retaining key IT staff. These findings may influence social change by uncovering strategies to retain IT professionals within the company and help IT professionals understand leaders’ retention strategies. Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study by Shannon J. Thomas MS, Troy University 2006 BS, Albany State University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2015 Dedication To my Lord and Savior and the only Son of God, Jesus Christ, this is for your glory. I dedicate this research project to Larry, Victoria, and Caleb. We believe, and we can achieve greater things than ever before. Acknowledgments The completion of this doctoral study would not be possible without the support of so many people. I would first like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the strength, determination, and desire to be all that he has created me to be. I would like to offer a special thanks to my husband and children for their continued support and sacrifice during this journey. To Willie and Beverly Metts, only you know all the sacrifices you made to help me achieve such a goal, today is for you. To Shirley Gooden, no words can express my gratitude for your love, encouragement, and support. I hope that this achievement compensates for the trouble you endured because of me. I would like to acknowledge my amazing committee, Dr. Patricia Fusch, you are simply amazing, and my success is a reflection of your knowledge and commitment. Dr. Alexandre Lazo and Dr. Patsy Kasen, thank you for your support and expertise. To Dr. Gene Fusch and Dr. Freda Turner thanks for believing in my work and working with me until to end, both of you make Walden University a great institution of higher learning. Special thanks to my peers and encouragers Dr. Alvin Perry, Dr. Noah Shannon, Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, and Dr. Cantice Green for your support and assistance. In addition, I would like to thank Dr. Cheryl McMahan and Dr. David Moody for assisting me along the way. Special thanks to my siblings and family. In addition, thank you Ausha Jackson, Fanee Johnson, the HUB, Harriette Haynes, Hortense Jackson, Michelle Mirzaiee, Alpha Sigma Upsilon, and host of friends and supporters for your encouraging words and prayers. i Table of