Enterprise search and discovery capability: the factors and generative mechanisms for user satisfaction.

Cleverley, Paul H.; Burnett, Simon

Abstract

Many organizations are re-creating the 'Google-like' experience behind their firewall to exploit their information. However, surveys show dissatisfaction with enterprise search is commonplace. No prior study has investigated unsolicited user feedback from an enterprise search user interface to understand the underlying reasons for dissatisfaction. A mixed methods longitudinal study was undertaken analysing feedback from over 1,000 users and interviewing search service staff in a multinational corporation. Results show that 62% of dissatisfaction events were due to human (information & search literacy) rather than technology factors. Cognitive biases and the 'Google Habitus' influence expectations and information behaviour, and are postulated as deep underlying generative mechanisms. The current literature focuses on 'structure' (technology and information quality) as the reason for enterprise search satisfaction, agency (search literacy) appears downplayed. Organizations which emphasise 'systems thinking' and bimodal approaches towards search strategy and information behaviour may improve capabilities.

Citation

CLEVERLEY, P.H. and BURNETT, S. 2019. Enterprise search and discovery capability: the factors and generative mechanisms for user satisfaction. Journal of information science [online], 45(1), pages 29-52. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551518770969

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 6, 2018
• Online Publication Date: May 11, 2018
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 14, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 14, 2018
• Journal: Journal of information science
• Print ISSN: 0165-5515
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-6485
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 29-52
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551518770969
• Keywords: Cognitive search and insight engines; Enterprise search and discovery; Information behaviour; Information literacy; Knowledge management; Digital workspace; Oil and gas; Information management
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2916