A Time Analytic Framework for Information Practice

A Time Analytic Framework for Information PracticeDiana L. AscherDoctoral CandidateDepartment of Information StudiesUniversity of California, Los Angelesdianaascher@ucla.edu

Interpretation

Evaluation

Prioritization

Action

AttentionContextExpectations

A Time Analytic Framework for Information Practiceby Diana L. Ascher, Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Information Studies at UCLA1

This is Hermes, Greek god of commerce and trade, eloquence and speech, messenger of the gods and boundary-spanning guide to both gods and mortals. Known for his quick wit and unmatched speed, Hermes is also a prolific inventor. Olympian god of boundaries and the travelers who cross them, of shepherds and cowherds, of orators and wit, of literature and poets, Hermes is the ultimate information liaison, able to cross boundaries of spacetime and culture with tact, skill, and humor. He often straddles the fence between the explicit and implicit and never tires of inventing nuances to place his message in the "right" context, which often involves deliberate ambivalence and strategically partial disclosure. As such, he is known as the affable trickster. Hermes is a mediator between realms, an ambassador between domains.2

Frequently appearing on postage stamps and currency, Hermes graces the cien bolivianos banknote in a nation where cultural groups continue to struggle with postcolonial adjustment and a contentious history. 3

Even the conception of time and temporal symbols is contested, as evidenced by the move last year to replace the clock atop the Congress building in La Paz with one that reflects the time orientation of indigenous culture in Bolivia.

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Notice the counterclockwise nature of the clock face.5

Time orientationthe measure of a cultures focus on the past, present, or future relative to other culturestm rntSH()n/ noun

I want to distinguish time orientation from other temporal concepts, such as duration, speed, and frequency. Rather, time orientation is the measure of a cultures focus on the past, presnt, or future relative to other cultures. Long-term, or high future, time oriented cultures value persistence, perseverance, saving, and adaptability. Short-term, or low future, time oriented cultures value tradition, the current social hierarchy, and fulfilling ones social obligations.

As Hofstede explains, "Long Term Orientation stands for the fostering of virtues oriented towards future rewards, in particular perseverance and thrift. Its opposite pole, Short Term Orientation, stands for the fostering of virtues related to the past and present, in particular, respect for tradition, preservation of face and fulfilling social obligations.From Hofstede (2001), Cultures Consequences, 2nd ed., p 359

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Researchers have investigated the effects of cultural time orientation on organizational behavior and management, though not in terms of information practice. 7

And in our field, we have shifted toward studies of the effects of various contexts on information practice, but very little attention has been accorded the influence of culture as a subset of context.

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In my research, I analyzed two dozen models of information practice. I integrated aspects of these models into the Time Analytic Framework for Information Practice.

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Stages of information practice

Interpretation

Evaluation

Prioritization

Action

AttentionContextExpectations

Time orientation and other elements of context influence each of these stages of information practice. Briefly, an information item must capture the attention of the information agentit has to be noticed, and it is conceivable that people are conditioned culturally to recognize some phenomena more easily than others. Information agents are engaged in all of the stages of information practice simultaneously. 10

Stages of information practice

Interpretation

Evaluation

Prioritization

Action

AttentionContextExpectations

Id like to focus on the prioritization stage, because this concept is crucial to applying the TAFIP to any situation. 11

Culturally influenced decision rules govern prioritization of information action

My hypothesis is that culturally influenced decision rules govern prioritization of information action. As such, ones cultural time orientation influences how one makes sense of information, which affects how one prioritizes decisions and actions. In business, any unanticipated deviation from the expected prioritization can have dramatic effects. Thus, surprises in information practice are generally avoided, though they may also be opportunities for creative innovation. My five-minute time limit doesnt allow for further explication now, but Id be happy to discuss these ideas during the break.12

HermesAge: ImmortalNationality: Greek OlympianFuture time orientation: Very lowAnticipated information practice:Emphasis on quick resultsStatus unimportant in relationshipsProtects faceLeisure time importantSpends, rather than savesFocus on the bottom lineBelief in absolutes of good and evil

To sum up, the TAFIP functions much like Hermesas a guide for information flow across boundaries. The more we know about the calculus of decision rules undergirding information practice, the better able we are to design flexible information systems, contribute to improved management practice, foster innovation, and help people make better decisions.

High Long TermLow Long Term (i.e. Short Term)emphasis on persistenceemphasis on quick results[FASTEST GOD]relationships ordered by statusstatus not a major issue in relationships[RELATIONSHIPS WITH MORTALS AND GODS]personal adaptability importantpersonal steadfastness and stability important [TRICKSTER, COMMERCE, MESSENGERTRUSTED TO PROVIDE TRUTH]face considerations common but seen as a weaknessprotection of ones face is important [DEEDS FOR ZEUS]leisure time not too importantleisure time important [MUSIC CULTIVATION=LYRE, PAN FLUTE, DALLIANCES]save, be thriftyspend[EXPENDS THRU ACTION AND TRADE]invest in real estateinvest in mutual funds [HEDONISTIC]relationships and market position importantbottom line important [ENDS JUSTIFY MEANS=TRICKSTER]good or evil depends on circumstancesbelief in absolutes about good and evil [GODS RULE]

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Thank you.14