Conceptual modelling of workplace information practices: a literature review

Introduction. This paper reports some of the results from a workshop organized by the European Network for Work Information (ENWI) in Malmo 12-13 June 2013, concerning theoretical frameworks for studying workplace information practices. Method. A combination of literature review and workshop discussions was used. Before the workshop the network members defined the research area of work information in order to be able to discuss a common ground for future research projects. About 40 key concepts were identified and the aim was to find common concepts and definitions as a baseline and framework for collaborative work in the network. Analysis. The analysis consists of two main parts. 1. The literature review put forward a set of information behavior models in professional and workplace context. 2. During the workshop the identified definitions, concepts and models were classified and analysed by eleven of the ENWI network members. Results. A conceptual map of work information research is developed. Four main categories of concepts are identified; information use & process, components (actors & roles), context, and content. Further, a framework for empirical work information research is proposed with three focus areas; content, interactivity, and information practices. Conclusions. This paper presents an overview of information behavior models and research in connection to workplace information. A conceptual map and a common framework for workplace information research are proposed.