INFORMATION ACQUISITION IN ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING: A SYSTEMS MODEL APPROACH.

A study was initiated in an attempt to remedy some of the deficiencies in the available data on information acquisition behavior of experienced engineers in carrying out problem-solving tasks. The development of information use models that take into account the characteristics of the work as well as organizational climate are discussed. It was found that the use of certain types of information sources appear to be affected by barriers and facilitators created by the work and organization. Engineers are more likely to use published information as well as external professional sources if they are stimulated by challenging work, which, in turn, is affected by a good organization climate. On the other hand, a poor organization climate and lack of work challenge tend to create internal communication barriers which apparently require engineers to turn to more accessible information sources.