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Information Seeking

General Competency

Definition

Information Seeking is driven by a desire to know more about things, people or issues. It implies going beyond the questions that are routine or required in the job. It may include “digging” or pressing for exact information; resolution of discrepancies by asking a series of questions; or less-focused environmental “scanning” for potential opportunities or miscellaneous information that may be of future use.

Behavioural Scales

Level 1

  • Personally gathers basic information and facts to address a problem or situation.
  • Uses readily available information.
  • Knows who to go to for information – asks for help. 

Level 2

  • Asks direct questions of the people who are supposed to answer.
  • Confirms information received.
  • Seeks out or includes people who are directly involved.

Level 3

  • Investigates the problem or situation beyond routine questioning; clarifies unclear details.
  • Finds those closest to the problem and investigates further, such as asking, “What happened?” (May include personally going to investigate the problem). 

Level 4

  • Asks a series of probing questions to get at the root of a situation or a problem, or a potential opportunity below the surface issues presented.
  • Calls on others who are not personally involved, to get their perspective, background information, experience, etc.
  • Does not stop with the first answer; is persistent in uncovering why something happened. 

Level 5

  • Makes a systematic effort over a limited period of time to obtain needed data or feedback.
  • Conducts in-depth investigation from unusual sources.
  • Does formal research, or may commission others to do formal research (may include market, financial, stakeholder research). 

Level 6

  • Establishes ongoing systems or habits to get information.
  • Sets up individuals to perform regular, ongoing information gathering in order to monitor the environment or uncover barriers/opportunities for the organization.