Abstract
The demand for high-skill and deep knowledge is a key characteristic for modern-day software business. In addition, the whole impact of information and communication technology (ICT) is seen as a cross-cutting element in different industries. The software industry in Finland is suffering from a severe labour shortage and the estimations of needed labour are ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 software professional. However, despite all development and research done, the question, whether the software companies are requesting more employers or are they looking for more diverse skills, remains unanswered. Furthermore, previously there has little if any discussion, on whose responsibility is to ensure that future software experts have the right kinds of skills and competencies to secure their successful work career. This study focuses on the skill polarization between software professionals, referred to as the ‘War of Talents’ in this study, by using data collected by a survey (n=90) from Finnish software businesses. The results reveal some indication of ongoing skill polarization in the field and its possible impacts are discussed. Furthermore, the potential threatening impacts of the polarization process on the well-being in the information society are observed and reported. In addition, the paper proposes adding skill development applications among the offering of eWellbeing services due to the importance of work-related competencies to the self-image – and therefore also wellbeing – of individuals.
Highlights
In modern times, work and technologies are constantly evolving — and technological change is inherently changing the work itself
It is widely accepted by scholars that we are living on the edge of a new technological era, the start of the Fourth industrial revolution [1]
New kinds of work descriptions will be born whereas the old ones will fade away due to the impact of digitalization and automation — the difference this time to the previous industrial revolutions is the speed of changes
Summary
Work and technologies are constantly evolving — and technological change is inherently changing the work itself. New kinds of work descriptions will be born whereas the old ones will fade away due to the impact of digitalization and automation — the difference this time to the previous industrial revolutions is the speed of changes. The demand for high-skilled workers, people who usually possess a degree from a college, technical school, or university, has grown every decade hand in hand with industrial revolutions [11]. It has been shown that nowadays employees possess greater variety in skills and competencies compared, for example, with workers in the 1970s [12]. The cross-cutting effect of ICT is causing the situation, that the ICT industry is not the only industry and field which requires people with programming and technical skills. More talented workers are retiring than there are new talents entering the job markets. [16] it is not a surprise, that software professionals are nowadays said to be among the most hunted workers [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
