A Framework for Information-Sharing Analysis Based on Activity Theory

Information sharing requires a careful understanding of how information is created, utilised and managed within organisational activity setting. They key to successful information sharing is thus understanding the activity itself and how the information that needs to be shared among the actors is managed. However, such an analysis often focuses on the information itself and lacks a systematic approach to analyse the activities in relation to information sharing. This paper proposes a framework for analysing information sharing requirements based on activity theory. In this framework, activities are the main embodiment of information sharing, and analysis is made through activity theory elements. Using examples in policing, the paper demonstrates a systematic approach to capturing requirements for information sharing.