How Saudi female faculty perceive internet technology usage and potential

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of female faculty in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of the Internet. The reason this population is of interest is because there are conflicts of interests: on one hand, there is strong desire to maintain the traditional Saudi culture, which restricts the travel and interaction of females. On the other hand, there is a recognition that Saudi females are valuable members of society who can contribute significantly. This study investigated one part of this problem: how females perceive the potential of the Internet to change the way they are able to work and contribute to their society. Specifically, a grounded theory method was used to investigate the perceptions of advantages and disadvantages of Internet use by Saudi female faculty. Twenty-four female faculty members at four higher educational institutions in Saudi Arabia in three academic disciplines (science, humanities and religion) were interviewed extensively over a year. The study revealed an interesting conflict of aspects influencing both attitudes and actual usage patterns. Differences in perceptions are influenced strongly by age and academic discipline.