The Career of the Technical Professional: A Look at the Career Path and Reward System in Technical Polish Companies

Managing a career in the information technology (IT) industry presents varying opportunities for IT workers. A major question for technical workers is whether or not to move to a managerial career in order to advance. This research study addresses the perception of IT career paths among IT personnel Poland. Poland was used because of its historical leadership in the struggle to gain freedom from the former Soviet Union and its accelerated march to a free-enterprise system since 1989. The findings of this research should have implications for managers of information technology (IT) workers in other countries liberated from the former Soviet Union. The study surveyed 112 IT personnel and managers in Poland. An ANOVA procedure was performed to evaluate differences in perceptions among IT managers, IT personnel, and individuals whose job spanned both areas. Areas considered in the study included career ladder issues, technical career path, and the technical knowledge needs of IT managers.