Information sharing strategy among human rights organizations: A case study of HURINET-Uganda.

Abstract

The survival of all organizations is dependent upon creation, utilization and sharing of information. It is therefore inevitable that organizations make use an information sharing strategy which is an organization’s unified blueprint for capturing, integrating, processing, delivery, and presentation of information in a clean, consistent, and timely manner. Given the pertinent role information plays in organizations, the study sought to examine information sharing between Human Rights Network-Uganda (HURINET-U) with its stakeholders with a view of proposing a suitable strategy to foster effective information sharing for enhanced coordination. Reviewed literature highlights information sharing channels that support information sharing, information sharing practices, effect of the feedback system on the quality of information, information sharing models, and strategies for improved information sharing. The research explored the concept that the nature of information channels used, the information sharing practices, and feedback system have an effect (positive or negative) on the quality of information shared. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design with the aim of providing an overview how information is shared in HURINET-U by observing the different forms of information handled, the channels used, and practices followed. Key findings revealed that HURINET-U members and staff make use of numerous channels, practices, and feedback means in the information sharing process with stakeholders. It was observed that despite the enormous information sharing activities, a unified blue print in form of a strategy that stipulates how, when, and with whom information is to shared is lacking. Information sharing is thus done in a policy vacuum. In view of the findings from the study, it is recommended that HURINET-U designs a strategy for capturing, integrating, processing, delivery, and presentation of information in a clean, consistent, and timely manner.