Information sharing in and across government agencies – The role and influence of scientist, politician, and bureaucrat subcultures

Abstract: This article is based on an exploratory, interdisciplinary study of issues related to information sharing within and across three public: agencies. Based on Schein's work, three subcultures within the public sector (scientist, politician, and bureaucrat) were identified as a framework to examine these issues. Dawes's three categories of benefits and barriers, associated with interagency information sharing (technical, organisational, and political), were also used in developing the framework. Their work has been extended by identifying three types of differences (view, use, and purpose) among these subcultural relationships to data and information. Four types of systems (social, constituency, technical, and organisational) that influence information-sharing processes within and across agencies also were identified. Two cases are offered to illustrate key points about information sharing across subcultures and some implications for research and practice to enhance abilities within the public sector to appropriately and effectively share information.

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