A dyadic approach to information mediation at work: Examining credibility and value perceptions.

Abstract

In daily interaction, workers play the dual role of information seekers and mediators by receiving or providing advice on how to find and use information. Using an online diary method, this study examines the dynamic and interactive process of information mediation focusing on (1) what factors influence how workers perceive the credibility of advice, (2) what factors influence how they perceive the value of the information mediation process, and (3) how their credibility perception impacts the value perception, depending on whether they receive or provide advice. The results show that, when receiving advice, credibility and value perceptions were almost exclusively influenced by the nature of the task for which the advice was needed. When providing advice, those perceptions were affected by more diverse factors including advice type and tenure. Furthermore, the relationship between credibility and value perceptions showed a marked difference depending on whether a person received or provided advice.