Information access and needs among Brazilian professionals: and exploratory study

Abstract

A survey, conducted among a sample of approximately one hundred Brazilian professionals, attempted to find out, among other aspects of their information behaviors, how frequently they access information about both the external and internal environments of their organizations. The means used in this access were also identified. The data shows that the most frequently accessed information about the external environment are those relative to governmental economic policy, national economy and financial markets. These elements reach the professionals predominantly through mass media. The most intensively accessed internal information are those concerning internaI norms and regulation and strategic planning. With respect to the latter subject, the sample shows a high degree of variation in terms of its intensity of access. Internal information are transmited through print media, although meetings and informal contacts play an important role in this process. The professionals manifested the need for more information in the areas of new products and new processes, competition, strategic planning and human resources. A conceptual model characterizing four hypothetical situations in terms of the relationship between intensity of access was presented. Concludes with some sugestions for research in the area.