Exploring variations in the experience of information literacy among decision-makers of Omani government companies: A phenomenographic study

Abstract

This study reports on a qualitative method that investigated the experience of information literacy among employees in Omani government companies. The study aimed to explore the various ways that employees utilize when engaging with information. To achieve this, the study applied a phenomenographic research approach, creating a map depicting diverse employees experiences from data collected through 36 semi-structured interviews. The study results identified six categories of description that represent critically and qualitatively different ways in which employees experienced information literacy in the workplace. These categories include access to information, evaluation of information, sharing and flow of information, putting information into action, learning by information, and the impact of the effective use of information on work performance. Additionally, the study’s findings included an outcome space for the phenomenon of information literacy in the workplace, which discussed the relationships between the categories of description. This study is significant because it has provided new knowledge about employees’ engagement with information for completing work tasks and explained the different ways to deal with information. The study also proposed a framework that reflects practical outcomes and highlights the key aspects that should be considered to facilitate the flow of information and maximize its utility. The findings provide empirical knowledge on which the recommendations are based.