Critical Overview of Information Management, DIKAR Model and Technology in the 21st Century

Globally, business and non-business organizations in the 21st century continue to experience changes as a result of advances in and access to technology. Scientific and technological advances had impacted on virtually all spheres of human endeavor in the 21st century. Access to technology has significantly altered information flow and the way information is managed in the 21st century. Advance in technology has impacted the practice of Office and Information Management, in particular. The phenomenon Information and Communication Technology(ICT)continues to transform the manner in which Office and Information Managers carry out their primary responsibility of gathering, storing and disseminating information for organizational efficiency. Office and Information Managers in the 21st century exist in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where information is not only huge but in extreme constant flow. The 21st century is characterized by the dynamics and volatility of technology. In this paper we attempt a critical analysis of the problem of managing information in the 21st century with particular reference to the responsibilities of Information Managers, and by extension, Office and Information Managers. This analysis of the problem of managing information in the 21st century with respect to the tasks of Information Managers is carried out against the background of the intents and contents of what is generally referred to as the DIKAR model. The paper established that the DIKAR model remains a desideratum for Information Managers in the 21st century. Against the background of the dynamics of the 21st century interplay between Information Management and Information Technology, and also in view of the desirability of the DIKAR model the paper emphasizes the place of human competencies such as critical thinking and creativity in the management of information