Working together to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders - a FUMSI Editorial
Jinfo Blog

By Alison Miller

Abstract

We know that every organisation has stakeholders that they must consult in decision-making and consider in this results-driven society. This is true for large companies, small businesses, international industries, and national issues and production. The articles in this issue of FUMSI Magazine show that there are many tools and methods that can be used to defragment areas of our rapidly changing world to improve internal and external communication, facilitate networking and increase opportunities; all of which can enhance our value proposition.

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We know that every organisation has stakeholders that they must consult in decision-making and consider in this results-driven society. This is true for large companies, small businesses, international industries, and national issues and production. The articles in this issue of FUMSI Magazine show that there are many tools and methods that can be used to defragment areas of our rapidly changing world to improve internal and external communication, facilitate networking and increase opportunities; all of which can enhance our value proposition.

Scott Brown builds on his original article of identifying stakeholders by talking about the importance of communicating with them. Once stakeholders are identified, it is essential to prioritise ways to connect with them, and this is often accomplished through formal and informal communication. Scott points out that this can be through a documented communication plan and take place face-to-face, or it can be done virtually, through the use of social media tools. The key is not only to recognise the goals of stakeholders, but to actively engage in efforts that connect with stakeholders.

James Mullan’s article shows that, although we live in a fragmented world, there are options available that can change and ultimately improve the ways in which we as individuals and groups can communicate and collaborate. The increase in availability and professional use of social media tools allows for more opportunity and increases our collective professional representation. It connects to Scott's article nicely in that we are stakeholders in the associations to which we belong. And these associations should ultimately help to benefit us. Using different methods of communication, we have a choice in how and where we are represented.

Communication and collaboration apply to a large spectrum, but ultimately the goal of optimisation is all-inclusive. Although we face different challenges, we all have the ability to work together to share knowledge and help facilitate better understanding of issues. Working collaboratively, we can better understand issues and collectively be more informed. One area that highlights this, included in Emily Goodhand’s article, is the often dreaded topic of copyright. She calls on all of us, as stakeholders, to provide evidence to support or dismiss the proposals. In this instance, we are the stakeholders and it is our duty to represent our share as professionals, often directly involved in copyright situations.

Perrin Kerravala’s article illustrates the importance of communication and collaboration in relation to organisations finding reliable company and counterparty risk information. Perrin identifies several resources that may not be known or accessible. These MENA resources are intended to increase opportunities through the sharing of resources.

We are all looking to optimise personal, professional and organisational performance and outcomes, and librarians and information professionals are often at the front lines in this effort. But how do we best do this? We can add value through collective efforts and coordinated endeavours.

This guest editorial appeared in FUMSI Magazine 51 (March 2012)

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