The information need and information seeking behavior in the Iran manufacturing industry

Abstract

Purpose: Investigated the information need and information seeking behavior in the Iran manufacturing industry.   Method/Design: To gain a deep understanding of the issue, we used grounded theory approach. 25 manufacturing firms operating in the Isfahan Science Technology Park were selected purposefully.  Data was obtained from 20-30 minute semi-structured interview with all 25 companies’ managers.   Findings: In emerged that the companies` information needs are variant based on their fields of work and by the environment. Furthermore, companies use three sources (persons, organizations, consultants) to obtain information. These resources include: market resources (experience and knowledge, market observation, exhibition and advertisements, other organizations, and communications); scientific resources (publications, imitation, experts and specialists knowledge and experience) and other resources (internet, media, and customers). Companies’ information seeking behavior ranges from easy to stringent behavior

Keywords

• Information need
• information seeking behavior
• Business environment
• manufacturing industry
• The Isfahan Science Technology Park