Information vs. Information Processing

Preferred information processing patterns spill over into work outputs, all the way up to branding, strategy, customer feedback, and audit issues. And that's exactly where they can be identified and assessed from a risk perspective.

Information is not the same as information processing.

Sounds like IT? Not quite. The statement is grounded in personality psychology. The scientific kind, mind you.

So: information is not the same as information processing.

Here's the distinction.

Information = cognitive content

For example:

• Autobiography

• Knowledge

• Experience

• Concrete thoughts: Do I prefer A or B? Topic X or Y?

Information Processing = PATTERNS

These patterns emerge when each of us 'moves around' on a framework that is identical for all human beings: HOW do I like to connect and work with information, regardless of the topic?

• Do I want to influence things?

• Continuously improve?

• Can I implement quickly?

• Take different perspectives?

• Or do I often lose sight of the forest for the trees?

The preferred mode of information processing reveals itself in patterns.

What I find fascinating: when these patterns are sufficiently pronounced, they 'spill over' into work outputs, all the way up to the highest level within a company:

Branding. Strategy. Customer and Employee feedback. Audit issues.

Those who know where to look can find these patterns right there, and translate them into predictive statements about the corporation, including strengths, weaknesses, and risks.

There's one prerequisite: a robust frame of reference that serves as a navigational guide.

Welcome to the world of 'The Organizational Personality (TOP)'.

Something I've been doing for several years now, and it works like a charm 😀.