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Antes de ontemJournal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology

A multi‐stakeholder engagement framework for knowledge management in ICT4D

Por Manoj A. Thomas, Yan Li, Vera Sistenich, Ken Ngoy Diango, Diulu Kabongo

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) is increasingly important to the field of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D). Yet, scant literature has addressed KM in the ICT4D context. This study takes an important step toward addressing this gap by conceptualizing KM in the context of ICT4D based on the people-process-technology perspective. To elicit KM factors most relevant to ICT4D, a Delphi study is conducted with a panel of experts representing three key stakeholder groups (beneficiaries, partners, and designers) with cumulative experience of leading ICT4D projects in 25 countries. Based on the Delphi study findings, 16 factors relevant to KM in ICT4D are synthesized. A multi-stakeholder engagement framework for KM in ICT4D and an activity checklist are proposed. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing insights into the differing views of stakeholders related to KM practices in ICT4D projects. Practitioners may find the framework and checklist useful in coordinating and managing KM in ICT4D projects. As development initiatives become increasingly knowledge focused, the study calls upon researchers for more enquiry in this progressive area of study.

Bridging information and communication technology and older adults by social network: An action research in Sichuan, China

Por Yuhao Zhang, Guangchun Zheng, Hui Yan

Abstract

The extant literature demonstrates that the age-related digital divide prevents older adults from enhancing their quality of life. To bridge this gap and promote active aging, this study explores the interplay between social networks and older adults' use of information and communication technology (ICT). Using an action-oriented field research approach, we offered technical help (29 help sessions) to older adult participants recruited from western China. Then, we conducted content analysis to examine the obtained video, audio, and text data. Our results show that, first, different types of social networks significantly influence older adults' ICT use in terms of digital skills, engagement, and attitudes; however, these effects vary from person to person. In particular, our results highlight the crucial role of a stable and long-term supportive social network in learning and mastering ICT for older residents. Second, technical help facilitates the building and reinforcing of such a social network for the participants. Our study has strong implications in that policymakers can foster the digital inclusion of older people through supportive social networks.

Accessing and preserving information: Combining ICT4D and archival science to empower marginalized communities

Por Viviane Frings‐Hessami, Gillian Oliver

Abstract

Information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) is a field of research concerned with studying how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to improve the socio-economic situation of marginalized communities in developing countries. The authors identify the preservation of the information provided or accessed during ICT4D projects as a critical gap in ICT4D research. They argue that archival science, an information discipline concerned with the preservation of recorded information, provides theories and models that can help make ICT4D projects more sustainable. They discuss the creation of analog backups by participants in an ICT4D project in Bangladesh as an example of communities taking the initiative to remedy the limitations of an ICT4D project with simple pen and paper technology to preserve the information they wanted to keep. Conversely, they argue that insights on how marginalized communities interact with and preserve information gained through ICT4D projects can enrich archival science and foster the development of more inclusive theories and practices. Finally, they suggest areas for interdisciplinary research between ICT4D and archival science.

Toward an impact‐driven framework to operationalize social justice and implement ICT4D in the field of information

Por Bharat Mehra

Abstract

Information researchers can further social justice and social equity to meet the needs of minority and underserved populations experiencing intersecting modes of cultural marginalization. Scholars of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) can find overlooked intersections with social justice in “community networking” research since the 1980s to overcome the digital divides between the haves and have-nots. To frame social justice initiatives within a consolidated vision of ICT4D in the field of information, this article proposes an impact-driven framework, expounded through five interrelated elements: why (motivations), with who (engaged constituencies), how (at external and internal levels to change traditional practices), and toward what (goal). It is explicated through select historical instances of “community networking” and digital divides, ICT4D, and social justice intersections. Significance of the elements is also demonstrated via this author's select information-related social justice research conducted in the United States. The urgency for critical and reflective conversations is important owing to historically abstracted human information behavior theory development within information research outdated in multiple contextualized needs of contemporary times. Historically situating impact-driven social justice research is important to further the relevance, existence, and growth of the information field as it strengthens its ties with ICT4D.

User empowerment and well‐being with mHealth apps during pandemics: A mix‐methods investigation in China

Por Zhongyun Zhou, Xiao‐Ling Jin, Carol Hsu, Zhenya Tang

Abstract

As a healthcare ICT4D solution, mobile health (mHealth) can potentially improve users' well-being during pandemics, especially in developing countries with limited healthcare resources. Recent ICT4D research reveals that providing end-users with access to ICT is insufficient for improving well-being and, thus, understanding how mHealth empowers end-users to enhance well-being against stressful events is important. However, prior research has rarely discussed the issue of empowerment in the domain of mHealth or the context of major disruptive events. This paper contributes to the literature by conceptualizing the psychological empowerment of mHealth users (PEMU) and investigating its nomological network during pandemics. Drawing upon theories of psychological empowerment and event characteristics, we developed a research model and tested it through a mixed-methods investigation, containing a quantitative study with 602 Chinese mHealth users during COVID-19 and a follow-up qualitative study of 326 online articles and reviews. We found that PEMU, driven by three technological characteristics (perceived response efficacy, ease of use, and mHealth quality), affects well-being through both (a) a stress-buffering effect, which counterbalances the detrimental, stress-increasing effects of event criticality and disruption, and (b) a vitality-stimulating effect, which is intensified by event criticality. These findings have important implications for ICT4D research and practice.

Retrospective special issue—Information behavior

Por Rebekah Willson, Heidi Julien, David Allen
Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, EarlyView.
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