Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The study examined how information literacy, self-efficacy determine the information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine how gender affect relationship between information literacy, self-efficacy and information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria and determine the difference between information seeking behavior of the mobile telecommunication personnel due to gender. The study answered four (4) research questions and two (2) hypotheses on information literacy, self-efficacy as determinant of information seeking behavior of mobile telecommunication personnel in South-East Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study, while questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. A total of three hundred and twenty three (323) respondents (being the study population) were administered the questionnaire, while two hundred and eighty two (282) properly completed questionnaire representing eighty seven (87%) of the total expected responses were returned. Six mobile telecommunication companies which are; Airtel, Etisalat (9mobile), Global Communication Ltd (Glo), Mobile Telecommunication Company Nigeria (MTN) Starcomm and Visafone were Major findings from the study were that: personnel of the mobile telecommunication companies feel confident and competent in their information literacy, self-efficacy. Furthermore, the personnel need information on how to attract more customers/subscribers, embrace new technologies, meet business targets, handle /speak to difficult customers who feel frustrated, address service related issues and keep track of telecommunication regulations/ government policies. Findings shows that demographic factor such as gender did not significantly affect the mobile telecommunication personnel in their information seeking behavior amongst others. This study is a major contribution to the impact of information literacy, self-efficacy of the personnel in the mobile telecommunication industry. It will be useful in conducting similar studies involving the personnel of other corporate/service based organization.