Presentation and Evaluation of Information Culture Model in Governmental Iranian Universities

Information culture is a new concept that shows the organization's orientation towards information, as well as values, norms, and behaviors related to information in the organization. Addressing this concept is especially important in knowledge-based organizations such as universities. The purpose of this research is to introduce a model information culture for governmental universities of Iran.

The populations were faculty members of governmental universities of Iran. The members of the research sample in the qualitative section were selected by using the purposive sampling method and in the quantitative section by using the random sampling method. In the qualitative section, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. After analyzing the interviews and coding the data, a conceptual model of the research was designed. Then, to assess the validity of the research model, quantitative data were collected with the help of a researcher-made questionnaire. To evaluate the fitness of the research model, the SEM method (Structural Equation Modeling) was used with the help of LISREL software.

By analyzing qualitative data 57 initial codes were identified for information culture, these codes were categorized in format of 16 subcategories and 4 main categories. Fitting the research model with the SEM method showed, information culture model of governmental universities of Iran has very good fitness. Therefore, to measure information culture in governmental universities of Iran, this model which includes 4 main dimensions information values and norms, optimized use of information and communication technology, information management, and Communications and interactions, can be used.

This research, by presenting a model for information culture, provides the possibility of measuring and monitoring information culture in the governmental universities of Iran. In addition, the results of this research can be a base for doing more research and the development of theoretical foundations in this field.