ICT and Information Flow Theory

Abstract

This paper is a theoretical comparison which is mainly focused on the features of information flow by a set of measurements to examine the changes caused by ICTs. It is different from the analysis of information systems with regards to organization, management, strategy, and technology. Comparing other theories concerning information flow, the notion of information cycle proposed by this paper is divided into three phases, i.e. information creation, information flow and information storage. The information flow theory focuses on the attributes of information flow, which includes inter-organizational flow and intra-organizational flow. There are five separate characters for each flow. In respect to inter-organizational information flow, the speed, capacity, scope, accuracy and reliability are taken as measurement elements. Comparatively, the speed, capture, selection, assessment and control are the measurements for testing intra-organizational information flow. As a result, the information flow theory is expected to be used not only as the benchmark of information system management or strategy, but also as a source of insight into the organizational and management systems. In the public sector, it has extraordinary significance for national IT policy orientation system.