Effects of perceived task complexity on the information types needed, information sources and channels used by lawyers

Adewale, Nafisat Toyin; Mansor, Yushiana

doi:10.1109/ict4m.2014.7020620

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…Tasks are work duties performed by professionals to fulfil their responsibilities. One of the characteristics of task that has been of concern to information professionals is the complexity dimension (Saastamoinen et al , 2013; Adewale and Mansor, 2014a). Task complexity is characterised by various factors such as task novelty, analysability, presence of multiple paths, task difficulty, uncertainty, etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The cognitive aspect relates to the gap in knowledge needed to perform a task, while the psychological aspect relates to feelings of anxiety as a result of the cognitive demand of task. Thus, increase in uncertainty brings about an increase in a task performer’s perception about the complexity of such task (Adewale and Mansor, 2014a). However, Chowdhury et al (2014) also posit that uncertainty is not limited to a cognitive state of gap in knowledge.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Uncertainty and subjective task complexity in the information-seeking behaviour of lawyers

Adewale

Mansor

Yusuf

et al. 2017

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Purpose This study investigates the moderating effects of age, experience and educational qualification on the relationship between uncertainty and subjective task complexity among lawyers working in private law firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A survey method was adopted and data were gathered using questionnaires. The analysis was carried out based on partial least squares structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 2.0 M3 software. Findings Results showed that the effect of uncertainty on subjective task complexity is significantly moderated by age, educational attainment, experience of the lawyers under study. Research limitations/implications Although data were collected in the most populated state and commercial hub of Nigeria, generalisation based on findings may still need to be made with caution. Practical implications Attainment of higher educational qualification is highly important for lawyers even though the minimum requirement to practice as a lawyer is a degree. Lawyers with higher degrees (LLM and PhD) had less uncertainty and perceived their tasks to be less complex compared to their counterparts who had the first degree (LLB). Originality/value The demographic profile of professionals (age, education and experience) has proven to have an impact on their perception about task complexity as determined by uncertainty as found in this study.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%