Navigating Information Management Quality Amidst Flexible Employment During Global Disruption

Aim/Purpose This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on information management (IM) quality within organizations, focusing on factors such as organizational roles, seniority, gender, technological maturity, and employees’ perceptions. The research seeks to understand how these variable's interact to shape the dynamics of IM in information-intensive organizations during a global disruption. Background The rapid shift to remote work during the pandemic has raised questions regarding its effects on organizational processes, particularly in IM. Previous studies have largely focused on technological and operational adjustments, with limited attention to how demographic and organizational factors related to human capital influence IM quality. Methodology The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of 716 questionnaire responses gathered from both employees and managers within four distinct Israeli government ministries during the “new normal” that emerged with the onset of the pandemic. Contribution The study contributes to the literature by offering empirical insights into the complex dynamics of IM during a global crisis. It challenges conventional assumptions about the detrimental effects of remote work on IM quality and provides new perspectives on the role of technological maturity and individual perceptions in shaping IM outcomes. Findings The study reveals a striking divergence in IM quality perceptions between employees and managers in the wake of COVID-19. While employees without managerial responsibilities reported a decline in IM quality, managers experienced significant improvements, highlighting a gap in how different organizational roles adapted to the crisis. High organizational technological maturity was associated with higher IM quality, while seniority and gender had no discernible impact. Overall, 41.48% of respondents reported a positive change in IM quality post-COVID-19, 44.97% observed no significant change, and 13.55% believed the pandemic adversely affected IM quality. Key IM dimensions – documentation, accessibility, and information sharing – emerged as pivotal during the crisis, underscoring their importance in organizational resilience. In addition, employees’ perceptions of the pandemic’s impact revealed a complex relationship between subjective experiences and objective IM results. Recommendations for Practitioners This study underscores the importance of investing in technological infrastructure to maintain IM quality in remote or hybrid work environments. Additionally, providing tailored support for employees, particularly non-managerial staff, through targeted training programs and digital literacy initiatives is crucial for sustaining IM quality during disruptions. Future Research Future research should explore IM dynamics during crises, focusing on comprehensive strategies. Longitudinal studies should assess the impacts of technological maturity and AI adoption on IM quality. Additionally, examining organizational culture, leadership styles, and cross-industry comparisons will help identify factors enhancing IM resilience in crisis scenarios.