Textile and Apparel Industries

Bridging the Gender Gap: An Examination of Women's Perceptions and Use of Technology in the Apparel Industry

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that influence perceptions of technology among female apparel industry employees and how these perceptions subsequently shape their use of technology within the workplace. Interviews were conducted with fifteen female apparel industry professionals, including product developers and designers, project managers and HR specialists. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Three emergent themes were used to structure the interpretation: exposure, acceptance, and adoption. Themes were examined within a framework of task-technology fit, which considers positive user evaluations and performance impacts relative to technology use. Findings indicate that when participants understood the value of technology competence and their employers provided the resources to help them achieve it, feelings of confidence seemed to increase as perceptions of threats decreased. In turn, they felt more empowered to use technology to advance their careers.

How to Cite:

Hodges, N. J., Watchravesringkan, K., Ramsey, A., Williams, M. & Iyer, L., (2016) “Bridging the Gender Gap: An Examination of Women's Perceptions and Use of Technology in the Apparel Industry”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 73(1).