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A theoretical framework for investigating the context for creating employment success in information technology for individuals with autism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2019

Hala Annabi  and
Jill Locke
Hala Annabi*
Affiliation:
The Information School, University of Washington, Mary Gates Hall 370B, Box 352840, Seattle, WA, USA
Jill Locke
Affiliation:
Speech and Hearing Sciences Department, University of Washington, Box 354875, Seattle, WA, USA
*
*Corresponding author. Email: hpannabi@uw.edu
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Abstract

There is limited research that addresses the inclusion of individuals with autism in the workforce. Autism employment in information technology (IT) is a new phenomenon and there is no established theory to draw from to investigate this phenomenon. In this paper, we review the existing literature on autism employment and present a theoretical framework to study information technology workplace readiness to equitably include individuals with autism. Our proposed framework extends Annabi and Lebovitz’s organizational interventions mitigating individual barriers theoretical framework to include Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior constructs. The framework will contribute to advancing the knowledge and understanding of the needs of individuals with autism, the knowledge and attitudes of neurotypical information technology employees, and organization and employment characteristics. Ultimately, this work will lead to discoveries that broaden participation of individuals with autism in the information technology industry and beyond.

Keywords

human resource developmentorganizational behaviortraining and developmentmanaging diversity
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 25 , Special Issue 4: Neurodiversity , July 2019 , pp. 499 - 515
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2019 

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