Everyday life information-seeking (ELIS) studies have previously addressed nonwork or citizens' information needs and seeking. This article contributes to the theoretical growth of the field by applying Chatman's small-world theory—a conception of ELIS—and social network theory to explain organizational behavior. The applicability of these two theories to analyze human information behavior in strategic value creation is discussed and shown through the results of an earlier pilot study in higher education. The concepts of social types, described as insiders and outsiders, worldview, social norms, information behavior, and trust are invoked. Combined with the concepts of homogeneity, density, and content from social network theory, Chatman's small-world theory yields a promising social dimension for a new theory of strategic information management. However, the conceptual base of the proposed new theory requires validation by testing in strategic partnerships.
Read full abstract