There are two basic reasons why information management is important.
First, from a strategic perspective, information on basic changes in the
environment needs to be assessed in order to gauge the impact those
changes have on organizational vision and operational strategies. That
means gathering intelligence for the strategic plan. Second, information
is needed to manage performance in relation to goals and specific
objectives. To do so requires that information be assimilated into the
entire management process. Thus, information is the basis for
strengthening goals and improving performance.

Part 6 describes the interrelationship between goal setting and
information. This chapter begins with a look at the purpose and effect
of information in the goal-setting process. The following chapter
addresses the practical aspects of managing information with organiza-
tions, teams, and individuals.

The fundamental purpose of information management is to improve
performance. Information alone results in nothing unless the recipients
do something with it, and it is of little help unless applied in a
systematic way toward some purpose. While goals provide the focus
for managing information, information is the focus for improving

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