Home > Media Coverage > The Londoner, December 13, 2002

Workforce Aging in the New Economy

Julie McMullin, a professor of sociology at Western, will lead a multi-national study of workers in the information technology industry.

A research grant worth $3 million has been awarded to Julie McMullin, a professor in the University of Western Ontario’s department of sociology.

The announcement was made this week by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC), under their Initiative on the New Economy Program.

It is the largest research grant ever made to Western and will aid Ms. McMullin as she leads a study called Workforce Aging in the New Economy.

“The information technology industry is known for workplaces made up of mostly young white males,” Ms.McMullin said in an interview. “Many of these workplaces have pool tables, bars, and a casual, fun atmosphere. But they also experience rapid turnover.”

The study will examine employment growth in the information technology sector, aging in the work workforce and employment changes in the new economy.

More specifically it will look at discrimination based on age, gender and race in the information technology workforce; specific skill sets required for work, and among other things, relationships between employers and employees in information technology firms – are they good places to work?

“Our study will be examining this unique and growing sector to help shape human resources” Ms. McMullin said. “Not only for the IT industry, but for the workforce as a whole.”

The multi-national study will involve researchers at eight universities, as well as various laboratory groups, technology organizations, government agencies and information technology companies.

Sixteen case studies will be conducted involving employee surveys and interviews with information technology managers and company owners.

It will span Canada, the United States, Australia and Europe.

“The unprecedented level of funding from the SSHRCC for this single project represents a trend at our university and we are extremely proud of Julie and her team,” said Ted Hewitt, Western’s associate vice-president of research. “For the past several years Western’s success rate in the SSHRCC competition has consistently exceeded the national average.”

Ms. McMullin’s coinvestigators from Western are Tracey Adams, Ingrid Connidis, and Ed Grabb, all in the department of sociology.

“By updating our learning and working practices, we will help Canadians seize opportunities around the globe,” said Marc Renaud, SSHRCC president. “These advances in education and training not only pay great dividends for Canadian companies, but also for workers who will be better prepared to face constantly changing realities at work and at home.”

Up against 63 other projects, Ms. McMullin’s project is one of only nine receiving funds. As an undegraduate at Western, Ms. McMullin played on the varsity curling team. She likened obtaining the grant to winning a big tournament.

“I remember the exact moment when I received the news,” she said. “I was jumping around and yelling out to my colleagues in the hallway.”

The SSHRCC is Canada’s federal funding agency for university-based research and graduate training in the social sciences and humanities.

Original Citation Information:

Workforce Aging in the New Economy. (2002, December 13). The Londoner. Newsdesk.
Around Town this Week: All Stories. Retrieved December 13th , 2002, from http://www.thelondoner.ca/news/index.htm