Information and Business Performance: : A Study of Information Systems and Services in High Performing Companies

Citation

Reid, C.D. (1998), "Information and Business Performance: : A Study of Information Systems and Services in High Performing Companies", Library Review, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 60-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.1998.47.1.60.21

Information and knowledge are increasingly being seen as corporate assets. However, the information environment within any large organisation is extremely complex. Describing who holds what information, how it is used and from where it is obtained, and outlining a company’s information strategy and culture is an almost overwhelming task. Studies which can help aid the recognition of the types of information in use within a company and its value in relation to the business process are therefore extremely important. This book reports the outcomes of a British Library‐funded research project investigating the correlation between information use and business performance.

This study focused on 12 high performing companies from a range of industrial sectors. The overall methodology used was that of the case study, with the data being collected through interviews with key personnel and supplemented by questionnaires from a more representative selection of staff. These 12 case studies are separately presented in the second section of this book. The interview schedule and the questionnaire are included in the appendices to allow further similar studies to be carried out.

In order to explore the relationship between the performance of companies and various information‐related variables, a theoretical model was developed by the researchers which concentrated on those variables which lead into effective information systems ‐ technology, the company knowledge base, information sensitivity, the company information ethos, and the structure and culture of the company. Finally, an attempt is made to determine to what extent the companies surveyed had developed effective information systems.

The study confirmed that information management is increasingly being recognised as an important issue for companies. However, there is still much do be done before it is effectively and properly managed. Interestingly, the companies in the study placed more emphasis on internally‐generated information. Perhaps this is a reflection of the confusion in terminology with information systems, information management and information technology. Alternatively, it may reflect the industry background of the companies studied. It is to be hoped that these companies do research their markets and competitors, even if only on a spasmodic basis! It is unfortunate for the information professional that this study appears to show they have been slow to embrace new technology and new information roles. They therefore need to ensure that they are an influencing factor in the creation of a company information culture.

This volume also includes the discussions which took place at a British Library research seminar on the initial survey findings. The inclusion of these provides additional useful commentary. One disappointing aspect of the report is the very brief literature review and a bibliography which extends to only two‐and‐a‐half pages.

As with any study, there are limitations to its usefulness. The research needs to be expanded to cover more companies and also to cover a sizeable number of companies in the same industry to enable more direct comparisons to be made and to ensure that the findings are truly representative. However, the more we learn about information and its real value and use within companies, the better placed information professionals will be to give real value and support to managers.