Organisational Culture for Information Managers

Dr Gillian Oliver is a Senior Lecturer in Archives and Records Management at the School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her background in professional practice spans both library and records environments – most recently in digital preservation. Working in Britain, continental Europe and New Zealand prompted an interest in cultural differences for Oliver in the ways in which information is managed. This has been her principal motivator in researching organisational culture in depth.

List of tables

About the author

Introduction

Scope and audience

Structure

Chapter 1: The significance of organisational culture

Abstract:

Introduction

Why is understanding organisational culture so important?

Organisational culture and information management – academic research

What is organisational culture?

Summary and conclusions

Chapter 2: National culture

Abstract:

Introduction

The debate surrounding national culture

Models of national culture

Hofstede’s dimensions

Summary and conclusions

Chapter 3: The structural environment

Abstract:

Introduction

Language

Regional technological infrastructure

Overview of the regulatory environment

Privacy

Freedom of information

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Occupational culture

Abstract:

Introduction

Occupational culture

Occupational culture and information behaviours

The impact of occupational culture on information management in a university

Our occupational cultures

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Corporate culture

Abstract:

Introduction

Corporate culture – the tip of the iceberg

Management style

In-house language and narratives

Visual cues inside the organisation

External representation

Conclusions

Chapter 6: Assessing information culture

Abstract:

Introduction

Framework for assessment

Conclusions

Chapter 7: Scenarios

Abstract:

Introduction

Organisation types

Scenario one: establishing a special library service

Scenario two: developing a business case for a digital library

Scenario three: implementing an electronic document and records management system (EDRMS)

Scenario four: establishing an in-house archives repository

Conclusions

Conclusion

Index