An observational study of the information seeking and communicating behaviour of enterprenures in the informal sector in Uganda

Abstract

This paper examines the information-seeking and communicating behaviour of the entrepreneurs in the informal sector of Uganda through observation methodology. The samples of six districts and 602 entrepreneurs covering major entrepreneurial trades were used. Observation yvas used both as a research method and a research instrument. Data gathering was achieved by the use of several tools and activities, including observing activities and recording entrepreneurs' information behaviour in prescribed observation schedules and with photography. Findings revealed that results from observational methodology compare favourably with those of other methods, such as surveys by means of traditional interviews or questionnaires. It established that entrepreneurs seek and communicate information mostly informally and orally. The study concludes that the observation method is essential in qualitative research and greatly supplements other methods and instruments especially in triangulation for verifying the validity and reliability of research results. It recommends that LIS professionals and researchers apply this method, since it provides them with additional, if not new, paradigm for information science research. The agenda is set.