Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1-2005

Journal Title or Book Title

Information Research: An International Electronic Journal

Volume

10

Issue

2

Version

Publisher's PDF

Publisher's Statement

The author retains copyright.

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to explore how managers selected individuals to serve as information sources. The social context of a for-profit business environment offered opportunity to study information seeking among interacting line-managers.

Method. The qualitative methods of social network mapping and interview were used to capture the data. The study was conducted within a stand-alone business unit of a major US-based corporation. A total of twenty-two line-managers participated in the study.

Analysis. Content analysis was selected as the data analysis technique. The elements of interest were the themes within the data. Open coding was used to interrogate the data to ensure a systematic approach so that future researchers can replicate the process.

Results. Relationship, more than knowledge, can be the reason a line-manager is sought as an information source. In addition to relationship, an individual manager’s knowledge, communication behaviour, cognitive style, and cognitive ability play an influencing role in being selected as an information source.

Conclusion. The non-hierarchical flow of information among managers and the reasons managers seek others as information sources further differentiates line-managers as a unique information user group.

Related Pillar(s)

Study

Comments

This PDF was created using the Google Chrome browser. The article can also be found at http://www.informationr.net/ir/10-2/paper216.html

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