Information gap

The information gap is a shortage of information understood as the difference between the information set and the set of necessary information used to create a detailed description of a given decision problem. The information gap may be the result of errors that have been committed in the management process (for example: excessive centralization of decisions, lack of databases storing information or inefficient employees). Another reason for the creation of such a gap may also be the type and nature of the decision problem (for example: conflict decisions, strategic decisions or decisions taken under time pressure).

At present, the majority of enterprises increase the number and complexity of tasks related to the implementation of operational activities. This phenomenon is connected with the necessity of having and generating a lot of information necessary to satisfy the needs of the company's operations. The significance of the information held must be taken into account in company management and when creating information systems supported by computer technologies.

The information gap may also affect the demand for more current or more detailed information than those currently available to enterprises. Another situation is the need to access information that has not been collected so far. The information gap may also concern the demand for information related to the future of the enterprise as well as its environment (it is forecast needs).

The phenomenon of the information gap is also related to the occurrence of dissonance between the recipient and the sender of the message. This situation consists in the recipient disregarding information that is inconsistent with his beliefs (for example: a person who smokes cigarettes ignores information about the harmfulness of smoking tobacco products).

Due to the type of information gap, you can characterize:

• information hope gap - occurs when the recipient of the message receives incomplete information that does not give the opportunity to take the required actions. The recipient hopes to supplement the message by the sender.
• information discrepancy gap - occurs when the recipient does not agree with some or all of the transmitted message and does not use it when making decision-making.

Features of the information gap

• it is always a vulnerability - it means that the vulnerability is related to a specific user and the problem he solves. It is the information user who should determine his information needs and their quality.
• is variable in time - time affects both the conditions and content of the solution to a given problem, but also changes the resources of the user's knowledge, which affects his needs related to specific information
• the set of information needed to solve the task (which the user does not yet have) is fuzzy - this means that only in exceptional situations can the type of information needed to solve the problem be determined. Usually different information is needed to varying degrees.

Methods of minimizing the information gap

The main and, at the same time, the most important methods of minimizing the information gap can include:

• optimization of the organizational structure - it is aimed at slimming the structure in a given organization and striving to replace hierarchical structures in favor of flat structures. Optimization allows to improve the functioning of modern organizations and improve the quality of information flow in the enterprise.
• streamlining business processes - redesigning business processes affects the improvement of various performance indicators, including quality, costs or speed of information flow.
• the use of ICTs - the ability to obtain information from various types of IT systems, affects the ability to effectively manage the enterprise and minimize the information gap.

Examples of Information gap

• In a business, the information gap may occur when the company has not collected enough data or when the data collected is not properly analyzed. For example, a company might collect data on customer preferences but neglect to analyze the data and identify new customer segments or opportunities for improvement.
• In the healthcare sector, an information gap may occur when a patient is prescribed a medication but does not receive enough information about the side effects or potential interactions with other medications.
• In education, an information gap can occur when a student is not given access to the same resources or opportunities as other students, due to their socio-economic or racial background.
• In government, an information gap can occur when there is a lack of transparency and accountability, resulting in decision-making that is not in the public interest.

Limitations of Information gap

• Lack of complete knowledge: The information gap exists due to the fact that complete knowledge about a particular decision problem may not be available. In such cases, the decision maker has to rely on incomplete information and make decisions with limited knowledge.
• Difficulty in predicting results: The information gap can also make it difficult to accurately predict the outcome of a decision. Without having a proper understanding of the consequences, decision makers may make decisions without knowing the full implications of their actions.
• Uninformed decisions: The information gap can also lead to uninformed decisions. Without having enough information, decision makers may make decisions that are not based on sound judgment or evidence.
• Limitation of resources: The information gap can also lead to a limitation of resources. Without having the necessary information, decision makers may not have the resources necessary to make informed decisions.
• Inaccurate assumptions: The information gap can also result in inaccurate assumptions. Without having the correct information, decision makers may make assumptions that are not correct or accurate.
• Risk of errors: The information gap can also increase the risk of errors in decision-making. Without having the necessary information, decision makers may make decisions that are not the most effective or efficient.

Other approaches related to Information gap

The information gap can be addressed by a number of other approaches, including:

• Data gathering and analysis. This involves collecting data from various sources to gain a better understanding of the problem, and using various analytical techniques to identify patterns and trends in the data.
• Stakeholder engagement. Bringing all stakeholders together to discuss and debate their individual perspectives on the problem and potential solutions can help to identify potential gaps in knowledge.
• Decision-making processes. Setting up processes to ensure that all relevant information is taken into consideration when making decisions can help to reduce the information gap.
• Communication. Ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed of developments in the decision-making process can help to close the information gap.

In summary, there are a variety of approaches that can be used to address the information gap, including data gathering and analysis, stakeholder engagement, decision-making processes, and communication. Adopting these approaches can help to reduce the information gap and ensure that decisions are taken with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Information gap — recommended articles

Descriptive model — Decision point — Scenarios of possible events — Operational decision — Operational research — Relevant information — Functions of research — Knowledge and information — Innovative research

References

• Doughty, C., & Pica, T. (1986). "Information gap" tasks: Do they facilitate second language acquisition?. TESOL quarterly, 20(2), 305-325.
• Tang, P. C., & Lansky, D. (2005). The missing link: bridging the patient-provider health information gap. Health Affairs, 24(5), 1290-1295.
• Nakahama, Y., Tyler, A., & Van Lier, L. (2001). Negotiation of meaning in conversational and information gap activities: A comparative discourse analysis. TESOL quarterly, 35(3), 377-405.