Information use process decision

Abstract

The aim of this article was to develop a model of the decision process in the use of information, through the analysis of different approaches of information search and use. The research was divided into quantitative and qualitative stages. The qualitative stage served to identify the decision steps in information use, and the quantitative stage made it possible to identify the factors influencing this process. The model has four stages: the recognition of the need for information, the seek for information, the decision on the use of information and the evaluation of the decision making in the use of information. The results indicate that the factors such as technology, external pressures, comfort, variety, environment, credibility and quality of the information as well as personal and professional reasons have some influence in the user’s behavior when they decide to use the information for decision making.