Understanding the career dynamics of IT professionals in digital transformation times: a systematic review of career anchors studies

Abstract

The concept of career anchors has long been a reference model to guide Human Resources Management (HRM) practices within the information technology (IT) discipline. However, as the digital transformation phenomenon grows increasingly disruptive, the misalignment of human resources is becoming more apparent as IT professionals are faced with mixed job demands requiring multidisciplinary skillsets. Along with the lack of workforce diversity and high turnover rates, these HRM challenges are impacting career dynamics and talent management practices. A systematic literature review of 20 empirical studies reveals three broad themes: debunking the dual-ladder construct of traditionally opposing technical and management career paths, fostering a diverse workforce through a variety of demographic profiles, and understanding the response strategies of IT professionals. While career anchors proved to be a useful model, it falls short in the context of the current structural changes of professional career choices and talent requirements, which requires a more diverse and dynamic model. This finding leads to a new research agenda emphasizing the study of Business Technology Management (BTM). This new concept refers to an emerging transdisciplinary profession, uniting Project Management (PM), Information Systems (IS) and IT competencies within a common body of knowledge for leading digital transformation projects.