Women managers' careers in information technology in China: high flyers with emotional costs?
Purpose This study seeks to focus on Chinese women managers and gender aspects in information technology (IT) management.Design/methodology/approach Women managers' experience on career is explored in relation to the Chinese cultural environment and within the IT industry. Two special topics emerged from the in depth interview results: high future expectations and strong belief in own competence. Background methodology of the study is Q sort methodology and interpretive analysis.Findings The findings suggest that IT women managers are high achievers with a high level of ambition. A joy of career advancement and full use of their potential is seen in their perceptions of work and career. The findings also indicate that Chinese women's career development in the IT field calls for identity reconstruction in both their private and work lives. This refers to a work family conflict within Chinese culture which emphasizes Guanxi and close societal ties. Although not expressed specifically, it was possible