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Some Observations on the Semantics of “Information”

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  • Julian Newman

    (Glasgow Caledonian University)

Abstract

The term ‘Information’ is widely used in the rhetoric of the Information Society, a rhetoric which some critics have judged to be empty, at least in part because of the overextension and inconsistent use of this word. We review the emergence of the concept of Information, identify a number of dimensions of similarity and difference in the way that the concept of Information is used and defined, and point up some specific areas where further critical attention is needed, of especial concern to the field of Information Systems. In particular we highlight some problems in identifying and understanding ‘Information Work’, and some research themes relevant to Virtual Organisations and Computer Supported Collaborative Work.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Newman, 2001. "Some Observations on the Semantics of “Information”," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 155-167, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:3:y:2001:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1011439305567
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1011439305567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schement, Jorge Reina & Lievrouw, Leah, 1984. "A behavioural measure of information work," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 8(4), pages 321-334, December.
    2. Herbert A. Simon, 1996. "The Sciences of the Artificial, 3rd Edition," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262691914, December.
    3. Richard L. Daft & Robert H. Lengel, 1986. "Organizational Information Requirements, Media Richness and Structural Design," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(5), pages 554-571, May.
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