Facing the Metaphorical Fork: Existentialism in the Identity Formation of Information Systems Students

Abstract

A defining characteristic of the Information Systems field is its lack of identity, generic curriculum guidelines and diverse application of curricula across geographic regions, cultural priorities and in line with institutional objectives. This diversity has caused many to feel the field is fluid: one with a multitude of relevant skills, roles and social contexts accepted as relevant to the field. This multitude and inconsistent prioritisation leaves Information Systems students with different skill sets and intellectual priorities. To complicate matters, Information Systems researchers stress the importance of the ability to work in a team, which by design results in further delegation of responsibility and intellectual focus and prioritisation. This research examines the existential elements and identity forming factors caused by exposure to a team environment. In this endeavour it was found that the students identified their first team event as an existential catalyst that spurred identity formation and recognition of their desired identities and intellectual prioritisation. 2.