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Enacting Significance: A New Perspective on the Nature of Information within Systems

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  • Paul Beynon‐Davies

Abstract

The concept of information is clearly foundational to the systems, behavioural and information sciences but lacking in a clear conceptual foundation. In this paper, we propose that the concept is clearly overloaded and suggest that a new vocabulary is needed to enhance our powers of understanding and explanation. We argue that information is better situated at the intersection of signs, patterns and systems, which involves the enactment of forma (the substance of a sign), informa (the content of a sign) and performa (the use of signs in coordinated action). To demonstrate the utility of this framework and to help us breakdown entrenched conceptions, we deliberately consider a ‘strange’ case from a different time and culture. We conclude with a discussion of the usefulness of this framework in helping us better understand the complex entanglement of signs, systems and patterns and how this helps unravel the multifaceted nature of information. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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  • Paul Beynon‐Davies, 2012. "Enacting Significance: A New Perspective on the Nature of Information within Systems," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 46-65, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:29:y:2012:i:1:p:46-65
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.1123
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcia J. Bates, 2006. "Fundamental forms of information," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 57(8), pages 1033-1045, June.
    2. Chaim Zins, 2007. "Conceptual approaches for defining data, information, and knowledge," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 58(4), pages 479-493, February.
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