The attributes of information as an asset

Attempts to identify information as an asset has led to an increased awareness of the role of information in enhancing organisational performance. Central to this role is the identification of attributes of information assets which include quality, utility, productivity, effectiveness and financial and economic aspects. Measurement of attributes of information as an asset may provide an identifiable link between information management and improved business performance. Identifying attributes of information assets that are recognised and valued by senior managers in today's information-intensive UK organisations is a key step in developing evidence for a link between information management and organisational performance. The research study engaged with a range of stakeholders in the information as an asset domain, including: senior British information managers, senior executives and managers and internationally-active information professionals and academics. Open-ended guided interviews were conducted with stakeholders. Four case studies in information-intensive UK organisations formed the major data collection strategy. Findings highlighted the importance of customer information assets. The most important attribute identified was quality. Information assets and their attributes were linked to competitive advantage with customer involvement and management attention being the key issues identified. A grounded theory of information assets that takes competitive advantage as its core category, is proposed.