“You can always look for more information” : A phenomenographic study on region politicians’ views of information seeking

The main purpose of this master thesis is to investigate the information seeking of lay politicians, part-time politicians and professional politicians in connection with the possible upcoming fusion of the two administrative regions, Västra Götaland and Värmland. The focus of this study has been to study how politicians use and evaluate information and sources of information, and to investigate if there are any differences in how different categories of politicians seek information. Seven politicians were interviewed using semi-structured questions, and a phenomenographic approach was used to analyze the data. In Sweden there are few available studies of how politician seek information, but some international studies have focused on information needs, information sources, selection and evaluation of information. I have used previous research, and data from respondents to compile and analyze my results in three descriptive categories. The politicians viewed information seeking as:- Being well prepared with up-to-date information- Reaching a comprehensive view using different perspectives- Sorting and evaluating informationThe study identified both similarities and differences in how the regional politicians viewed information seeking as a phenomenon. All of them found it important to view information from different perspectives. The professional politicians have an advantage in access to information, especially if they belonged to the party holding the majority. Both part-time politicians and professional politicians received information through cognitive authorities. Their differences in views were more dependent on the context in which the politicians work, than on their being a lay, part-time or professional politician