Relationship of Information Literacy and Professional Ethics with Career Development

Information literacy is a capability that enables individuals to create, sustain, and deepen communication with others, which can be effective in many organizational dimensions such as organizational ethics and career development.

This study aimed to determine the relationship of information literacy and professional ethics with career development among Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZAUMS) staff.

Using systematic sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 238 ZAUMS staff in southeast Iran in 2018. Data were collected through individual interviews using standard questionnaires Information Literacy, Professional Ethics, and Career Development. The data were analyzed using SPSS-v21 software and descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and t-test.

Of 237 individuals, 116 (48.7%) were males with a mean age of 38 years. The information literacy and career development scores were in the moderate range (means of 170 and 56, respectively), while the professional ethics score of the majority was poor, with a mean of 32. There was a significant direct relationship between information literacy (coefficient = 0.189) and professional ethics (coefficient = 0.391) with career development (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression showed that an increased level of employees' access to information had significant positive effects on career development (β = 0.878, P < 0.01). Also, an increase in the level of career development (performance evaluation, workplace environment, supervision status, and educational factors) and professional ethics (loyalty and respect to others) was associated with increased levels of information literacy (P < 0.05).

Information literacy and professional ethics could increase career development. Therefore, it could improve organizational productivity. It is suggested that professional ethics workshops and courses be held to improve staff's information literacy.