Number One Objective of Web Content Policies
Jinfo Blog

By Lynn Strand

Abstract

Initial results in the "FreePint Survey: Web Content Policies" indicate when and why organisations have policies to govern use of web content, and when they don't. Read about the early results, then follow the link to participate (through 9th September).

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To date, the "FreePint Survey: Web Content Policies" has collected responses from over 100 information managers in a wide range of organisations.

Only 52% of respondents report that their organisations have policies. 26% report their organisations do not, and the rest are not sure.

Let us know your views by participating in the survey. 

Main Drivers for Policies

The early data being shared here already yield interesting insights into how organisations are writing, managing and enforcing web content policies.

For example, we ask respondents who report having policies to rank five potential objectives for those policies. Figure 1 shows what percentage of respondents ranked each option from 1 to 5.

Figure 1: Objectives of web content policies

Nearly half of respondents gave first rank to regulatory compliance as the main reason for their organisation’s policies. Also of note is the fact that around half of respondents ranked "Ensuring workers use quality information" as the fourth- or fifth-ranked objective.

Several respondents remarked on the fact that IT was the business unit responsible for ensuring compliance - and this was not believed to be best practice.

What's Blocking Policy Development?

We also asked targeted questions of those who said their organisations do not have policies, or that they’re not sure if policies exist.

We asked this group to rate the importance of different variables with regard to their organisations’ lack of policies.

Average ratings, shown in Figure 2, point to limited attention from the top of an organisation right on down the ladder for development and ultimately maintaining and enforcing web content policies. Is it lack of interest? lack of knowledge? or unconcern for any consequences? Our final results should give us a finer focus.

Figure 2: How important are the following reasons for the lack of policy?

Participate Now

It's not too late to participate in the survey, which will remain open through 9th September. When you provide a valid email address at the end, we'll send you a copy of the resulting report, which will be published later in September as part of the Topic Series, "All About Usage".

If you prefer a paper version of the survey please use the Contact Us form or email to support@freepint.com.

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