Chapter 3: Information Resources Development Challenges in a Cross-Cultural Environment

Wai K. Law
University of Guam, Guam

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Abstract

Organizations in the Western world devote much attention to the development of information systems as strategic resources. The transfer of this management practice to a different cultural environment generates new challenges as reported in the experience of a Pacific Basin public institution with Western affiliation, while under strong influence of local cultures and practices. The value of the investment in information resources is judged not only on technical merits, but also on the ability of the organization to properly address the cultural and organizational issues related to information usage.