Abstract
M.A. (Information Science)
As organisations exist in the constantly overwhelming information age, more emphasis is put
on information as resource and the economic value it has in the organisation. The South
African life insurance industry is no different from other organisations and deals with a vast
number ofinformation that flows through these organisations daily.
In this study, the role of information, the management of information and the existence and
implementation of an information policy are examined. The appointment of an information
manager to manage information is also examined. The study was done to determine the level
of importance and value of information in this type of industry and whether the South African
insurance industry has identified information as a valuable resource in the organisation.
Information as resource and the management thereof as competitive advantage is studied.
The research methods applied were to carry out a literature study on information and its role
as resource in an organisation, the roles and responsibilities of an information manager and the
advantage and implementation of an information policy in the organisation. A questionnaire
was compiled and sent to all the major South African life insurance companies to determine
the above aspects and the current status in this industry.