Information access and flow LO11444

John Farago (jfarago@cix.compulink.co.uk)
Sun, 15 Dec 96 23:35 GMT0

Replying to LO11433 --

In-Reply-To: <961214223041_76234.3636_JHC91-2@CompuServe.COM>

> Ben builds on Bill's question:
>
> > How can we open the flow of information so that all members of an
> > organization will have access to the information they need to function
> > effectively, be creative and innovative, and make good decisions?
>
> Ben responds: "The answer, I think, is found through identifying those
> things that are "designed" to distribute and share information and then
> learn from them. For instance, a network is "designed" to distribute
> information. Why, then, shouldn't an organization be designed like a
> network?"
>
> == end quote ==
>
> Ben & Bill,
>
> The strength of networks is also their weakness. A great deal of
> information is available with little filtering, and the network requires
> someone to 'pull' information from it in order for the information to be
> put to use. This is excellent for non-critical, perhaps
> non-time-sensitive information.
>
> A fast-moving organization will need information 'push' mechanisms for the
> critical, time-sensitive information. Perhaps these needs can also be met
> in a network environment,

I like many of the answers given to Bill's question, but most of all Rol's
comment about 'pulling' information. I remember the NIH factor (the
rejection of ideas 'Not Invented Here'). A LO needs to create a culture
of curiosity, inquisitiveness, acquisitiveness and readiness to learn from
the successes and failures of others. Systems and structures to share
information are important, but useless unless the culture is right. There
are probably learned communications theories and empirical data that
confirm my hunch that people pay more attention to answers of their own
questions than to information others think they should read or listen to.

And, as happens so often in this <learning-org> list, the question
generates new knowledge.
---

John Farago
<jfarago@cix.compulink.co.uk>

-- 

jfarago@cix.compulink.co.uk (John Farago)

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>