Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

An investigation into the information-seeking behaviour of professionals, working within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland.

Browne, Bernie; Martzoukou, Konstantina

Authors

Bernie Browne



Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the information-seeking behaviour (ISB) and information needs of different professional groups within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the Republic of Ireland (i.e. for what purpose information is acquired), the information sources professional groups use (including in-house documentation, regulations, industry guidelines, standards and colleagues) and the factors, which influence professional groups' choice of information sources. Furthermore, the research explored the perceived level of support that exists towards knowledge and information sharing. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative non-experimental research design, comprising of a self-completion survey questionnaire, was used to examine a number of information-seeking variables: information triggers, information sources and source influencers as well as information sharing enablers. It was related to four professional tasks: process technology/process development, regulatory support and quality/compliance support and engineering. Findings: The research provides new insights into the ISB of pharmaceutical professionals working within a highly regulated and high-performance production environment, including a greater understanding of the context in which professional groups experience information needs. The levels of agreement observed in relation to employees' perception of information-sharing enablers indicated an overall positive level of information sharing. Research limitations/implications: The study points to largely echoed previous findings which suggest that individual work role associated tasks prompt particular information needs. Further to this, work role associated tasks have a bearing on information source selection. Pharmaceutical professionals engaged in positive levels of information and knowledge sharing, relying on procedures, other colleagues and internal documentation as information sources. The participants also indicated a high level of agreement in respect to the value of available subject matter experts as information-sharing enablers. Practical implications: Organisations should aim to create opportunities for adequate time to share information and organisational structures, facilitating an overall organisational culture of sharing. A focus on information sharing through forums, seminars, meetings and working groups could enhance information sharing, through the development of communities of practice. Social implications: Pharmaceutical professionals relied on trustworthiness and quality as professional' top information source-influencing factors. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that working within a high-performance, target-driven and time-constrained production environment brings a particular contextual impact, where frequent urgent information triggers are experienced. These contextual factors warrant further investigation. Originality/value: A paucity of information exists with respect to the ISB of professionals, working within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, which is a sector known for its high level of information use and production. This paper offered an original empirical investigation of the ISB of professionals, working within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the Republic of Ireland, focussing on key professional tasks. The research also addressed the level of support available for knowledge and information sharing.

Citation

BROWNE, B. and MARTZOUKOU, K. 2022. An investigation into the information-seeking behaviour of professionals, working within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland. Library management [online], 43(5), pages 370-398. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-11-2021-0099

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 17, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 14, 2022
Publication Date May 31, 2022
Deposit Date Mar 17, 2022
Publicly Available Date Apr 14, 2022
Journal Library Management
Print ISSN 0143-5124
Electronic ISSN 1758-7921
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 5
Pages 370-398
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-11-2021-0099
Keywords Information sources; Manufacturing; Information sharing; Information seeking behaviour; Information triggers; Pharmaceutical professionals; Pharmaceutical production; COVID-19 pandemic; Infodemic; False information; Ireland; Information awareness
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1625007

Files

BROWNE 2022 An investigation into the information (AAM) (3.7 Mb)
PDF

Publisher Licence URL
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Copyright Statement
Emerald allows authors to deposit their AAM under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial International Licence 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0). To do this, the deposit must clearly state that the AAM is deposited under this licence and that any reuse is allowed in accordance with the terms outlined by the licence. To reuse the AAM for commercial purposes, permission should be sought by contacting permissions@emeraldinsight.com.






You might also like



Downloadable Citations