Organisational information behaviour in the public consultation process in Scotland.

Baxter, Graeme; Marcella, Rita; Illingworth, Laura

Abstract

This study explored the information behaviour of representative groups in responding to Scottish Government consultations. It investigated how organizations find out about relevant consultations, how they go about gathering information in preparation for submitting a response and how they find out about the results of consultations to which they have contributed. Method. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with individuals usually responsible for preparing or coordinating their organization's consultation responses. Data were collected from fifty-four groups. Analysis. Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed. These transcripts were then analysed to identify the important themes and issues emerging. Results. A wide range of behaviour was identified, often dependent on the subject and complexities of the consultation, its perceived importance to the group, and the timescale and organizational resources available. The study also revealed idiosyncratic and flawed Scottish Government processes, particularly in identifying and informing potential consultees, and in providing post-consultation feedback. Conclusions. While some organizations displayed the characteristics of influential 'insider groups', these groups were not always the most active in terms of information seeking. Further research is required into the relationships between insider status, informedness and the effectiveness of engagement in the Scottish Government's policy making process.

Citation

BAXTER, G., MARCELLA, R. and ILLINGWORTH, L. 2010. Organisational information behaviour in the public consultation process in Scotland. Information research [online], 15(4), paper 442. Available from: http://www.informationr.net/ir/15-4/paper442.html

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 31, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2010
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2010
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 20, 2014
• Journal: Information research
• Electronic ISSN: 1368-1613
• Publisher: University of Borås, Information Research
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 442
• Keywords: Scottish Government; Policy making; Consultation; Information management; Communication
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/955
• Publisher URL: http://www.informationr.net/ir/15-4/paper442.html
• Contract Date: Mar 20, 2014