From storage to (re)use: factors affecting the (re)use of organisational information
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31356427Abstract
Introduction. This paper explores what affects the information-seeking behaviour of project managers when navigating the challenges to satisfy their need for information to perform work tasks, solve problems, and achieve organisational goals.
Method. In a qualitative case study, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with project managers at a large public authority in Sweden.
Analysis. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, followed by an analytical discussion connected to the analytical framework of the information use environment (IUE).
Results. The findings suggest that project managers rely on the experiences and knowledge of co-workers to find the information they need, even though this information is stored in a shared information system. The lack of the system’s search functionality and unclear information structure make an independent, informed search difficult.
Conclusions. In the context of project managers, several mandatory and cultural elements affect information behaviour. A limiting factor is restricted information access, primarily due to systems’ lack of search functionality and their design focus on supporting work processes rather than facilitating the retrieval of comparable project information. Additionally, individual information structures hinder effective searching, leading project managers to rely on colleagues to locate necessary information. A robust work process does not equal the ability to (re)use information within systems.
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