Information needs and use in the construction materials sector in Kuwait

Abstract

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the information needs and use of the private construction materials sector in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachA structured instrument, expert‐reviewed and pilot‐tested, was used for data collection. A total of 20 companies were surveyed by interviewing a senior official identified by each firm.FindingsThese firms mostly used financial, marketing, legal, forecasting, and managerial information. Personnel and statistical information was the least used. The most important sources of information included government agencies, the internet, the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and financial service agencies in addition to several informal sources. Information use activity was found to be at a low level.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study was limited to private companies that dealt with construction materials, its findings should be used for this sector only.Practical implicationsThe KCCI, following one of its official roles of supplying information to the business community, needs to upgrade its resources and services and conduct vigorous marketing of its services. Similarly, Kuwait University has a stake in conducting research and educating business leaders in improving their in‐house information services and making optimal use of KCCI services.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its type in the Arabian Gulf region. Hopefully, government agencies, the KCCI and the business community will use its findings to improve the current business information infrastructure, which is less than satisfactory.