Understanding Information and Information Definitions

According to Gordon B. Davis, information is data that has been processed into a form that is important for the recipient and has a real value that can be felt in the decisions that now or decisions that will come. [1]

Other authors, Burch and Strater, states: information is the collection or processing of data to provide knowledge or information. [2]

Meanwhile, George R. Terry, Ph.. D. states that the information is important data that provide useful knowledge. [3]

So, in general the information is data that is processed into another form that is more useful knowledge or information intended for recipients in decision-making, whether present or future.

To obtain useful information, the first action is to collect data, then process them to become information. From the data obtained information is more important for directional and has passed various stages in the processing of which is collecting data, what data is collected and find the necessary information

George R. Terry, Ph.. D. explained, useful, or whether the information depends on several aspects, namely:

1. The purpose of the recipient

If the information is the goal to provide that information to assist the recipient in an effort to get it.

2. Accuracy of delivery and data processing

delivery and processing data, the core and the importance of information must be maintained.

3. Time

The information presented should be in accordance with the development of the information itself.

4. Space and place

The information obtained should be available in the room or place so the use of more directed to the wearer.

5. Shape

In relation to forms of information must be realized by use effectively, the relationships necessary, trends and areas that require management attention and emphasized the information to situations that had to do.

6. Semantic

To be effective the information must be related information between the words and the meaning is clear enough and avoid possible misinterpretation.

It is clear that in order for it to be useful information must be submitted to the appropriate person, at the right time, and in proper form as well.

Not all data is information. There are offices that store data or the actual record is useless. On the other hand the necessary information with the data.


[1] Gordon B. Davis, Management Information System: Conceptual Foundation, Structure, and Development, McGraw-Hill International Book Company, etc. Aucklland., 1974, page 32 [2] Bruch and Strater, Information Systems: Theory and Practice, Hamilton Publishing Company, Santa Barbara, California, 1974, Page 23

[3] George R. Terry, Ph.D., Office Management and Control, Fourth Edition, Richard D. Irwin Inc.., Homewood, Ilinois, 1962, Page 21