The information need and information seeking behavior in Iran manufacturing industry

Abstract

This article investigates the information need and information seeking behavior in Iran manufacturing industry. To gain a deep understanding of the issue, we used grounded theory approach. Twenty-five 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 show that the companiesinformation 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. © 2018 Iranian Research Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation. All Rights Reserved.