Reference modeling of the central elements of Thomas H. Davenport’s “Information Ecology”

Abstract

Due to the considerable increase of volume and importance of information for companies, an efficient management of their informational environments has become a necessity. To do so, a correct understanding of the nature and dynamics of these environments is essential. Thomas H. Davenport's model of Information Ecology was created to play this role, though neither the author nor the later literature have gone deep enough into the practical aspects of its implementation. In order to overcome this gap, the present work proposes and applies a modeling approach that converts the elements of “Information Ecology” into reference elements aimed at the implantation in the organizational context. In methodological terms, this is a bibliographic and exploratory research, carried out through the following steps: bibliographic survey, analysis of the collected material and development of the reference elements. As indicated, the main result of the work is the reference elements: a) six reference processes; b) a management architecture of reference that allows to articulate and operationalize the reference processes. The inspiration for the creation of this structure comes from the Management Excellence Model (MEG), a managerial systemic reference model endowed with the most modern and recognized administrative contributions of the present time. By indicating a management architecture and management practices based on the Davenport model and appropriate to the informational environment of organizations, the reference elements can provide important contribution to organizational performance and success.

Keywords: Informational environment. Information management. Management excellence model. Reference model.