Flow of information
Flow of information is the process of gathering, organizing, interpreting, and communicating information in order to inform decisions, actions and strategies in an organization. It is the transfer of knowledge from one person to another, from one team to another, from one department to another, from one organization to another, and from one country to another. The flow of information involves the analysis of the data for the purpose of making logical and informed decisions. It is also important for successful collaboration among teams, departments, and organizations. It helps to create an environment of trust, collaboration and understanding. By correctly managing the flow of information, organizations can become more efficient, productive, and competitive.
Example of flow of information
- A doctor reviews a patient's medical history, orders tests, and interprets the results to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- A business analyst gathers and reviews data from multiple sources, performs analysis, and presents their findings and recommendations to management to inform decision-making.
- A teacher reviews student assessments, identifies areas of difficulty, and develops strategies to help students improve performance.
- A market research team conducts research, surveys, interviews, and focus groups to understand customer needs and behaviors, which is then used to inform product and service development.
- A transportation manager works with multiple teams and vendors to coordinate the scheduling and delivery of goods, services, and people to their destinations.
- A team of engineers collaborates to design and build a new product or device, while sharing information and feedback to ensure that the final product meets the desired specifications.
When to use flow of information
Flow of information can be used in many ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization. It can be used to:
- Track and measure progress on projects, goals, and objectives.
- Gather, analyze, and interpret data to inform decisions.
- Share data and information to create better collaboration.
- Facilitate communication among departments and teams.
- Establish protocols and procedures for the secure exchange of information.
- Create a culture of transparency and open communication.
- Monitor trends and market shifts to inform strategies.
- Develop effective training materials for employees.
- Improve customer service by understanding customer needs.
- Monitor and analyze customer feedback to make improvements.
Types of flow of information
Flow of information can be categorized into two main types: horizontal and vertical.
- Horizontal flow of information is the communication of data, ideas, and resources between teams, departments, and organizations. It is the exchange of information from one organization to another without any hierarchical structure. It is used to promote collaboration and understanding between different entities.
- Vertical flow of information is the transmission of data, ideas, and resources within a hierarchical structure. It is the exchange of information from one level of the hierarchy to the next. It is used to ensure that the right information is being disseminated to the right people at the right time.
| Flow of information — recommended articles |
| Field of research — Role of information — Knowledge management processes — Development and research — Best practice program — Communication management plan — Implementation of change — Knowledge management models — Knowledge management strategy |
References
- Pool, I. D. S. (1983). Tracking the flow of information. Science, 221(4611), 609-613.
- Dretske, F. I. (1983). Précis of Knowledge and the Flow of Information. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 6(1), 55-63.
