Perceptions of reward systems by technologists and managers in information technology companies

The authors summarize empirical research that studied the perceptions of 91 technologists and managers about rewards systems in eight information technology companies. An analysis of the responses shows that although the companies differ in business and location, technologists and their managers share different sets of perceptions about the same reward systems. Technologists strongly perceive that they must move into management to increase their pay, status, and importance. Managers believe that their pay reflects their current responsibilities and they do not perceive that they are at a dead-end in their jobs. Although they state that technologists need not progress to management positions in their careers, managers agree that technologists must move into management to get higher pay and status. All respondents expressed a strong need for a parallel technical career ladder in their companies