Abstract
The growth of the information management (IM) discipline and its importance in different socio-economic platforms cannot be over-emphasized. The current development of heterogeneous technologies shows that IM is the focal point of innovations such as blockchain, data science (big data, predictive analytics, etc.), artificial intelligence, automation, etc. This research was motivated by a desire to contribute towards establishing the intellectual identity of IM as a science and as a discipline. An exploration of the inventory of theories and conceptual frameworks enables us to have an understanding of the different methodologies currently being used and therefore define the level of development of the field as a discipline. This chapter aims to present the patterns and trends in theory conducted by different studies during the last 10 years (2009 – 2019). Using a bibliometric approach anchored on descriptive informetrics, the chapter explores the application of theory within the IM field.
TopBackground
In the contemporary age where the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is hugely pronounced in almost all socio-economic establishments, the value of information as a competitiveness agent and the role of IM in the 4IR are further justified. A diverse range of context-aware technology innovations are being propagated to manage heterogeneous information resources (both static and dynamic). The value of information has been amplified by the proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) designed sorely to focus on managing information in different contexts. Other than the rapid development of information-centric technologies, Kirkham (1991, p. 8) postulates that the result of the greater appreciation of the value of information has brought about exponential growth in the development and use of methodologies and theories concerned with the study of information. Owing to the foregoing, the contextualization of the study of information is a prerequisite for a discussion on the theories associated therewith so as to understand the intellectual grounding of any innovations related to IM. Studies on managing diverse information types have gone through a different era of evolution, hence, this study draws insights from literature and particularly builds on the earlier work by Gorman and Corbitt (2002). Figure 1 shows the different disciples that metamorphosed into the modern-day information management subject.
Figure 1. Disciplinary development of information studies (Adapted from Gorman & Corbitt, 2002)
Key Terms in this Chapter
Emerging Conceptualizations: Concepts that ae currently being put into context in the field of information management.
Conceptual Framework: A synthesis of different theoretical underpinnings mostly influenced by the context of the study.
Information Management: Generally a science that studies the different processes for the collection, storage, representation, sharing, integration, and usage of information in different contextual settings.
Analysis: Detailed examination of a concept or phenomenon under investigation.
Theory: A set of contemplative, plausible, or scientifically proven concepts that can be used to guide thinking or design of research studies in a given field of inquiry.
EBSCOhost Research Platform: The key database whence the analysis of information theories and concepts is taken.