Women managers' careers in information technology in China: high flyers with emotional costs?

Purpose – This study seeks to focus on Chinese women managers and gender aspects in information technology (IT) management. Design/methodology/approach – Women managers' experience on career is explored in relation to the Chinese cultural environment and within the IT industry. Two special topics emerged from the in‐depth interview results: high future expectations and strong belief in own competence. Background methodology of the study is Q‐sort methodology and interpretive analysis. Findings – The findings suggest that IT women managers are high achievers with a high level of ambition. A joy of career advancement and full use of their potential is seen in their perceptions of work and career. The findings also indicate that Chinese women's career development in the IT field calls for identity reconstruction in both their private and work lives. This refers to a work‐family conflict within Chinese culture which emphasizes Guanxi and close societal ties. Although not expressed specifically, it was possible to read from the subtext that women also expect certain emotional costs from career advancement. Practical implications – Although there are still only few women in top‐level positions in China, the study confirms their potential to succeed in management, at least in a recently developed field like IT. The findings indicate that the recent sweeping technological changes provide women with a platform to penetrate. It gives them a chance to be recognised for their achievements in the field of new technology and proves their ability to advance to the upper realms in this field. Originality/value – This study accumulates the understanding on women's careers and career strategies worldwide and especially in China.