Abstract
PurposeThis IPA study examines the relationship between leadership and multicultural IT teams in the context of the skills shortage in the German IT sector to improve the productivity and profitability of multicultural IT teams and achieve a competitive advantage. Furthermore, the possibility of integrating foreign workers into the German IT sector to solve the IT skills shortage is being investigated. The German labour market, particularly the IT industry, faces the challenge of an ageing and shrinking workforce, which results in a shortage of IT professionals. As a result, the profitability and economic viability of the IT industry are negatively affected. Attempts to fill the vacant positions of domestic IT professionals have failed due to many unfilled positions. Therefore, it may be possible to counteract this problem by recruiting foreign IT professionals. To successfully collaborate with foreign IT professionals, leadership is crucial. Consequently, it is essential to consider the leadership needs of IT employees within a multicultural environment. This research addresses a significant gap in understanding how to minimize the impact of the skills shortage in the IT industry. Furthermore, it will increase leadership knowledge as an essential component of integrating foreign information technology professionals.
Design and methodology
A qualitative research approach was employed to fulfil this study's objectives. Interviews were conducted with IT personnel from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Furthermore, IPA was chosen as a methodology for gaining insights into IT employees' lived experiences and needs.
Findings & Contribution
The findings indicate that IT employees desire an empathetic, caring, and moral leader. Therefore, participative and collaborative leadership is essential for IT staff. These characteristics were best reflected by servant leadership. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the IT sector has requirements beyond those specific to a particular country or culture. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that multicultural cooperation is enriching and positive for IT employees. Moreover, the findings reveal that the fabric of leadership and multicultural collaboration can positively impact the skills shortage in the IT sector. Finally thus, integrating foreign workers can be a possible solution to the IT skills shortage.
| Date of Award | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | Shariq Sheikh (Supervisor) & Keith Halcro (Supervisor) |