A Critique of the Concept of Information Dependence
Introduction
In layman’s language, information dependence defines a social situation where a group or team depends on the knowledge from a single individual to achieve specific goals. The theory is relatively beneficial for organizations as the teams have significant access to decision-making resources. Employees pool training and experiences from various backgrounds, which promotes cohesiveness and team-based decisions. Nonetheless, contemporary organizations face the problem of over-dependence on single individuals. Such institutions depend on several figures, mainly leaders, for success and routine operations. This paper evaluates the cons of applying the information dependence theory in firms today. Indeed, the contemporary business environment faces numerous uncertainties that prohibit over-dependence on single individuals.
Over-dependence on single individuals in an organization can prove detrimental to operations. There are three significant reasons why the applicability of the theory of information dependence isn’t ideal for contemporary businesses. First, over the years, big corporations, like Apple, have depended on their founders for innovation and business expansion (Aljafar, 2016, p. 408). Team members also rely on the figures for inspiration and conceptualization of ideas. Consequently, such firms are prone to face significant hurdles once the founders leave the corporate scene. Often, the corporations flounder due to the absence of appropriate guidance and direction. Second, in the context of operations, some firms also depend excessively on specific figures in middle-level management, and their absence puts them in jeopardy. Likewise, some teams are also over-dependent on specific members or project managers, whose absentia translates to the failure of operations (Anantatmula, 2010, p.13).
Ultimately, organizations need to minimize the dependence on specific figures in the corporate structure. Firms that do depend on single individuals are at risk of being directionless once the persons are out of the picture. Third, many SMEs across the globe set up structures that are run by single individuals, who are responsible for innovation and business development (Farsi & Toghraee, 2014). In case of risks of loss of such persons, the businesses are bound to fold (Chinomona, 2010, p.1885). Healthcare organizations that depend on a single practitioner to provide essential services risk halting operations once the individuals aren’t around. Therefore, there is a necessity for all forms of organizations to formulate contingency plans to ensure business continuity in the absence of key figures.
One approach would be sending all employees on mandatory leave, at some point, to ensure the rest learn to operate effectively without them. The goal is to establish that everyone in the organization is replaceable, and they aren’t indispensable in the context of corporate matters. Firms should combine the strategy with comprehensive contingency plans in case critical individuals leave the management scene. Notably, excessive information dependence can also be catastrophic because employees learn to rely on specific individuals to solve current or future crises.
Conclusively, information dependence gives leaders and managers the capacity to influence people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through the social information processing theory, employees capitalize on information from others to evaluate various situations and identify appropriate behavior (Summer & Ramirez, 2017, p.3). Nonetheless, the excessive dependence on single individuals can be catastrophic, mainly in their absentia. Apple is a practical example of such an organization as employees depended heavily on Steve Jobs for innovation and business expansion.
Consequently, the absence of such figures leaves firms without inspiration and direction. From an operational perspective, the over-reliance on specific team members and project managers could also prove detrimental for corporations. Thus, firms need to conceptualize contingency plans to ensure employees can work efficiently in the absence of several or specific individuals. Today, the approval of person independence has become an essential requirement for risk management firms. Companies are required to prove that their success or efficiency is personal independent. Indeed, the three arguments in the essay outline how the information dependence theory could breed catastrophes in contemporary organizations.
References
Aljafar, A. (2016). Apple Inc. Industry Analysis Business Policy and Strategy. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 7(3), 406-441.
Anantatmula, V. S. (2010). Project Manager Leadership Role in Improving Project Performance . Engineering Management Journal EMJ, 22(1), DOI: 10.1080/10429247.2010.11431849, 13-22.
Chinomona, R. (2010). Business Owner’s Expertise, Employee Skills Training And Business Performance: A Small Business Perspective. The Journal of Applied Business Research, 29(6), 1883-1896.
Farsi, J. Y., & Toghraee, M. T. (2014). Identification the main challenges of small and medium sized enterprises in exploiting of innovative opportunities (Case study: Iran SMEs). Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 4(4), DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/2251-7316-2-4.
Summer, E., & Ramirez, A. (2017). Social Information Processing Theory and Hyperpersonal Perspective. The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, DOI: 10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0090, 1-11.