Information needs and Information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors

Matsveru, David

Information needs and Information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors

by David Matsveru (Author)

Sociology - Knowledge and Information

53115

Summary

This study investigates the information needs and seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia. The purpose of this study is to establish the information required by pastors to carry out their work, how they seek information and the problems they encounter in doing so. A mixed-method approach research was used to meet the objectives of the study. A stratified quota sample of 200 pastors was used based on Walpole’s formula for proportions. One hundred and thirty-eight (69%) participants responded to the questionnaire, while 16 pastors from different denominations in Windhoek, purposively selected as key informants, were interviewed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) basic level descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data from the questionnaires, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from the interviews.

Excerpt

2.4

Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour... 49

2.5

Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness to meet their job demands ... 56

2.6

Pastoral information service... 57

2.7

Information behaviour models ... 60

2.7.1

Ellis' (1989) behavioural model of information seeking strategies ...61

2.7.2

Kuhlthau's (1991) model of the stages of information seeking ...63

2.7.3

Wilson's (1996) model of information seeking behaviour ...65

2.7.4

Dervin's (2000) sense making theory ...67

2.8

Reasons for using Wilson's model and Dervin's theory ... 70

2.9

Summary... 72

CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ... 74

3.1

Introduction ... 74

3.2

Research design ... 77

3.3

Survey research... 78

3.3.1

Strengths of survey research ...80

3.3.2

Weaknesses of survey research...81

3.4

Interviews ... 82

3.5

Research population ... 83

3.5.1

Sampling procedures ...84

3.5.2

Stratified sampling ...85

3.5.3

Purposive sampling ...87

3.6

Reliability and validity ... 87

3.7

Data collection instruments... 89

3.7.1

Questionnaire as a data collection tool ...90

3.7.2

Interview guide as a way of collecting data...92

3.8

The pilot study ... 93

3.9

Data collection process... 93

3.9.1

Administering the questionnaires ...94

3.9.2

Existing church documents and interviews with key informants ...95

3.10

Data analysis ... 96

3.10.1

Analysis of quantitative data ...96

3.10.2

Analysis of qualitative data...97

3.11

Ethical considerations ... 98

3.12

Evaluation of the research methodology ... 99

3.13

Summary... 101

CHAPTER 4 : DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION... 102

4.1

Introduction ... 102

4.2

Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors ... 104

4.2.1

Information needs of pastors ... 104

4.2.2

Information seeking behaviour of pastors... 107

4.2.3

Information sources used and how they are used ... 111

4.2.4

Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour ... 117

4.2.5

Accessibility of pastoral information ... 123

4.2.6

Perceptions of pastors about their preparedness in carrying out their

pastoral duties ... 125

4.2.7

Pastors' views on how to improve pastoral information services... 129

4.3

Summary... 130

CHAPTER 5 : DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS ... 132

5.1

Introduction ... 132

5.2

Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors ... 133

5.2.1

Information needs ... 133

5.2.2

Information seeking behaviour of pastors... 136

5.3

Information sources used and how they are used... 137

5.4

Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour... 139

5.5

Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for carrying out their duties ... 145

5.6

Pastors' views on how to improve pastoral information services... 146

5.7

Summary... 148

CHAPTER 6 : FRAMEWORK FOR SETTING UP PASTORAL INFORMATION SERVICES... 150

6.1

Introduction ... 150

6.2

Basis for the proposed framework... 150

6.3

Analysis of context ... 152

6.4

Analysis of prevailing circumstances... 154

6.5

Analysis of information seeking behaviour ... 154

6.6

Analysis of information use ... 155

6.7

Summary... 157

CHAPTER 7 : SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ... 158

7.1

Introduction ... 158

7.2

Summary of the findings ... 158

7.2.1

Information needs ... 159

7.2.2

Information seeking behaviour of pastors... 160

7.2.3

Information sources used by pastors ... 160

7.2.4

Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour ... 160

7.2.5

Level of information accessibility ... 161

7.2.6

Perceptions of pastors about their preparedness in carrying out their duties 161

7.2.7

Suggestions by pastors on improving information service provision ... 161

7.2.8

Framework for setting up pastoral information services ... 161

7.3

Conclusions ... 162

7.3.1

Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors... 162

7.3.2

Information sources used and how they are used ... 163

7.3.3

Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for their duties ... 163

7.3.4

Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour ... 164

7.3.5

Pastors' suggestions for improving pastoral information services... 164

7.4

Recommendations ... 165

7.4.1

Information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors... 165

7.4.2

Barriers to information seeking ... 166

7.4.3

Perceptions of pastors ... 167

7.4.4

Framework for setting up pastoral information services ... 167

7.4.5

Recommendations for further research ... 167

7.5

Conclusion... 168

References ... 171

Appendices ... 186

List of tables

Table 1.1: Division of the thesis ... 34

Table 2.1: Biblical pastoral responsibilities... 42

Table 3.1: Computed sample of pastors by denomination... 86

Table 4.2: Information needed by pastors... 105

Table 4.3: Comparison of information needs of pastors as revealed by pastors in the

questionnaire and in the interviews ... 107

Table 4.4: Information seeking behaviour of pastors ... 108

Table 4.5: Comparison of information seeking behaviour of pastors as revealed by pastors

in the questionnaire and in the interviews... 110

Table 4.6: Information sources used by pastors... 113

Table 4.7: Comparison of information sources used by pastors in Namibia as revealed in the

questionnaire and in the interviews ... 117

Table 4.8: Main difficulties in obtaining pastoral information ... 119

Table 4.9: Comparison of factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour in

Namibia as revealed in the questionnaires and in the interviews... 123

Table 4.10: Level of information accessibility... 124

Table 4.11: Perceptions on preparedness ... 126

List of figures

Figure 2.1: Ellis' behavioural model of information seeking strategies (Wilson, 1999). ... 62

Figure 2.2: A comparison of Ellis' and Kuhlthau's models (Wilson, 1999)... 65

Figure 2.3: Wilson's (1996) model of information behaviour (Case, 2006, p. 137)... 66

Figure 2.4: Dervin's `sense making' theory triangle (Wilson, 1999)... 68

Figure 2.5: Dervin's sense making model (Wilson, 1999)... 69

Figure 5.1: Wilson's model of information needs and seeking behaviour ... 135

Figure 6.1: Proposed framework for setting up pastoral information services... 156

Acknowledgements

Thanks and glory to God for the grace He bestowed on me throughout this study. I

would also like to thank the following people who assisted me to bring this thesis to

completion:

Dr. C. Nengomasha - for patiently guiding me throughout this thesis.

Mr. W. Yule - for his insights and support throughout the writing of this thesis.

Mrs. F. Matsveru - for encouraging me and proofreading my thesis.

Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS) - for supporting me

financially.

Peter and Paula Ryan - for their prayers and financial support.

Dr. Noel I. Liddle and Mrs. Ann Liddle who not only introduced me to

librarianship but also encouraged and supported me in many ways.

UNAM library staff - for helping me with the needed information sources.

All the pastors who participated, without whom this study would not have

materialised.

Last but not least my mother (Lucia Matsveru) - for inspiring me not to give up

when I set my heart on something.

Dedication

I dedicate this thesis to Florence (my wife), Lauretta and Kundaimunashe (my

children) in appreciation for their patience, support and understanding, which

brought this thesis to completion.

Abbreviations and acronyms

AAC

Apostolic Assemblies of Christ

AACJM

African Apostle Church of Johane Marange

Anglican

Church

AFM

Apostolic

Faith

Mission

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AMEC

African Methodist Episcopal Church

AMI

Alleluia

Ministries

International

ANC

All

Nations

Church

AOG

Assemblies of God

APCG

Assembly's People Church of God

BCM

Back to Christ Ministry

BCs

Baptist

Churches

Church of Africa

CAG

Coastal Assemblies of God

CATC

Church at the Crossroads

Catholic

Church

CCN

Council of Churches in Namibia

CEC

Christ Embassy Church

CGWM

Church of God World Missions

CJCLS

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints

Church of the Nazarene

COC

Church of Christ

CPC

Calvin Protestant Church

CPM

Camel Pentecostal Ministries

CRC

Christian

Revival

Church

DDE

Department of Distance Education

DLBC

Deeper Life Bible Church

DRC

Dutch

Reformed

Church

EBC

Evangelical

Bible

Church

Emmanuel

Church

ELCIN

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia

ELCRN

Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia

EMC

Evangelical

Mission

Church

Followers of Christ

FFMI

Forward in Faith Ministries International

FGC

Full

Gospel

Church

FICG

Fuller Institute of Church Growth

GELC

German Evangelical Lutheran Church

GHFM

God's Healing Family Ministries

GMC

Gospel

Mission

Church

GOC

Gospel

Outreach

Church

GTM

Gospel Truth Ministries

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HPCC

His People Christian Church

ICTs

Information

Communication

Technologies

JSTOR

Journal Storage

Jehovah's

Witnesses

KCC

Khomasdal Community Church

KFBMI

Kingdom Faith Builders Ministries International

KIM

Kingdom

Identity

Ministries

LISA

Library and Information Science Abstracts

LISTA

Library Information Science Technology Abstracts

MBC

Mennonite

Brethren

Church

MCSA

Methodist Church of Southern Africa

NAC

New Apostolic Church

NASB

New American Standard Bible

NETS

Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary

NSFC

New Song Family Church

NWAHG

No Walls Apostolic House of God

OVC

Orphans and Vulnerable Children

PAC

Pentecostal

Assemblies

Church

PHCF

Potter House Christian Fellowship

PPC

Pentecostal

Protestant

Church

PUC

Protestant

Unity

Church

Rhenish

Church

RCCG

Redeemed Christian Church of God

RCI

Revival Centres International

Restoration

Ministries

SADC

Southern African Development Community

SDA

Seventh-day

Adventist

SDI

Selective Dissemination of Information

SPSS

Statistical Package for Social Sciences

UCC

United Church of Christ

UCC

United

Congregational

Church

UMC

United Methodist Church

URC

Uniting Reformed Church

ZCC

Zion Christian Church

CHAPTER 1

: INTRODUCTION

1.1

Introduction

Pastors are trained people who have devoted their lives to serving God by imparting

biblical wisdom and guidance to society. Their responsibilities include

administration, evangelism, preaching, directing prayers or services, community

development, public relations, youth services, accounting, member care, teaching

and counselling, including HIV and AIDS counselling (Warren, 1995, p. 49). They

give people emotional support and comfort in times of sadness or joy. Individuals,

families and nations rely on them in relation to a number of problems ranging from

social to religious issues.

The Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in March 2007 called on religious

leaders to consult on the issue of moral decay in Namibia, particularly the issue of

HIV and AIDS (Isaacs, 2007). This shows the importance the Namibian government

has placed on pastors. As pastors work with individuals, families, and nations, they

definitely need information.

The word `pastor' is a Latin word for herdsman (Harper, 2010). It is an official title

for a priest or a preacher in a local church. Their qualifications and ordination vary

from denomination to denomination. The biblical mandate for pastors is that they are

to be above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to

teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not lovers of

money, able to manage their own households well, not a new convert, but someone

who enjoys a good reputation with those outside the church (1Tim 3:2-7).

This study seeks to establish the information needs and information seeking

behaviour of pastors in Namibia. An information need is recognition that knowledge

is inadequate to satisfy a goal (Case, 2002), while information seeking behaviour is

that conscious effort to acquire information in response to that need (Eskola, 1998).

1.2

Orientation of the study

Research on information needs and information seeking behaviour of different

information user groups has been carried out over the years on university students

(Eskola, 1998), on theologians (Gorman, 1990), on women in small businesses

(Mchombu, 2000) and recently on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC)

(Mchombu, 2008). However, studies on information needs and information seeking

behaviour of pastors are rare despite the fact that 91.44% of Namibians claim to be

Christians (Mandryk, 2010) and as such, many pastors are serving them in one way

or the other. In Namibia, pastors play a very important role in communities and as

such, information service providers need to establish how pastors seek information

and what problems they encounter. Verified information can then be used to tailor-

make information services to meet pastors' information needs.

Few similar studies on pastors' information needs and information seeking behaviour

have been conducted. Gorman (1990) carried out a quantitative survey on the

information seeking behaviour of theologians. Theologians are people who study or

have studied theology and are not necessarily pastoring or intending to pastor a

church. While this group may fall within the category of pastors, the reality is that

their setting is different from a person running a church on a day-to-day basis.

Michels (2005) used a qualitative study with only seven participants on informal

information seeking behaviour of biblical studies scholars. As much as this

researcher respects qualitative research because of its depth, he strongly feels that

Michel's study was used narrowly and on a very limited population. A study of this

nature also requires that participants be pastors who reside over a local congregation.

Limited access to contextual information sources to counsel, preach and teach is one

of the challenges faced by pastors in carrying out their different roles. Pastors are

limited in their capacity to access contextual information in many ways, for example

lack of knowledge, technological limitations and non-availability of information

sources in local languages. They may fail to perform their duties because they either

do not understand what relevant information is needed and/or they do not know how

to obtain it with efficiency (The Shams Group, 2005). For example, there is a

general belief that fighting HIV and AIDS in Africa is not only a medical issue but

also a religious issue and hence the need to involve pastors. African governments

have often referred to it as a multi-sectoral approach (Isaacs, 2007). However,

sometimes pastors are ignorant of relevant information in order to gain access to a

wide range of resources.

1.3

Statement of the problem

Pastors train in different institutions and serve in denominations and congregations

that vary socially, economically, politically and spiritually, and hence their

information seeking behaviours could be affected by their different contexts (Ronald

Wicks, 2009). Although pastors in Namibia may be performing well in their

pastoral roles, it is necessary to know how well equipped and informed they are to

deal with these important issues. This researcher's personal discussions with some

pastors and church members before the study was carried out indicated that some

pastors are inadequately informed to cope with their ministry demands. The

researcher also noted that no studies have been done on information needs and

information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia. This study explored the

suitability of Wilson's (1996) model of information seeking behaviour and Dervin's

(2003) sense-making theory in designing a suitable information service for pastors in

Namibia after understanding their information needs and seeking behaviours in their

endeavour to fulfil their different roles.

1.4

Objectives of the study

The main objective of this study was to establish the information needs and

information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia. To attain this broad objective

the research was guided by the following specific objectives:

To establish the information needs and information seeking behaviour of

pastors;

To determine the perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for their

pastoral duties;

To establish the information sources used and how they are used;

To investigate factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour; and

To come up with a framework for setting up pastoral information services in

Namibia.

1.5

Significance of the study

Significance refers to the application and meaning of the study to `the real world'

(Berg, 1994, p. 34); in this case theological information providers, churches and

Bible colleges in general and pastors in particular. The findings of this research are

significant in that they:

x Lead to a better understanding of pastoral information needs;

x Identify the information sources pastors already have access to and the

existing gaps in information access;

x Influence policy- and decision-makers (churches and theological institutions)

and religious information service providers (theological libraries); and

x Contribute to academic knowledge on the subject of information needs and

seeking behaviour of pastors.

1.6

Limitation of the study

Although a survey was conducted nationally, 110 (80%) out of the 138 respondents

who returned the questionnaire were from Windhoek. Interviews that were conducted

gathered qualitative data from 16 key informants (pastors) based in Windhoek. This

was necessitated by the fact that all major churches are represented in Windhoek.

The researcher recommends that further research on "information seeking behaviour

of rural pastors in Namibia" be carried out, as rural and urban contexts are different.

1.7

Literature review

In preparation for this study, "information needs and information seeking behaviour

of Namibian pastors", a preliminary literature review was undertaken based on the

assumption that knowledge accumulates and that researchers learn from and build on

what others have done (Neuman, 2011, p. 111).

A number of databases were searched (LISA, LISTA and JSTOR). The researcher

noted that a number of studies have been conducted on information needs and

information seeking behaviour in general. However, very little was found on

information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors. In their studies on

information seeking behaviour of theologians, Gorman (1990) and Wicks (1999)

found that theologians rely heavily on "invisible colleges". An invisible college

refers to a situation where theologians depend on each other for the exchange of

ideas. This is the same concept Crane (1972) has referred to as a "social circle" or

"social network". When the social network theory is applied to information needs,

the premise is that, "social networks to which individuals adhere affect the way in

which they seek information" (Wicks, 1997, p. 156). By this, Wicks meant that

social networks of which one is a member affect the individual's information seeking

attitude.

According to Wicks (1999) even though pastors use libraries, in most cases they

build their personal collection during their time of training. When they go to a

library, they tend to function independently of librarians. He goes further to say that

pastors seek information by themselves, and enjoy browsing shelves and scanning

journals. Wicks' study does not give an exact setting of the pastor serving in a local

church. It focuses on lecturers and students in a seminary setup. However, the

researcher finds Wicks' study helpful as it shows how information seeking behaviour

is developed in the lives of pastors-to-be.

Tanner (1994) argues that it is congregational rules and regulations that govern the

pastors' selection of information sources. In other words, Tanner is saying that

before a pastor uses an information source he or she evaluates it to see if it does not

contradict the doctrines and teachings of the denomination he or she is serving.

Lauman (1987) has identified three components that can be used to determine

network boundaries, namely actors, relations and activities. Actors in this case are

pastors who serve in the same denomination. Relations refer to pastors serving in the

same denomination but who have frequent purposeful contact with one another.

Activities refer to a working together of pastors to lobby the government about a

cause, for example, HIV and AIDS, under the Council of Churches in Namibia

(CCN).

In wrestling with HIV and AIDS especially in the African context, issues of

spirituality and religion cannot be ignored and this is why on several occasions the

Namibian government has called on pastors to play a role. However, pastors differ in

their approach to this issue. Some pastors say HIV is God's judgment on immoral

people while others proclaim that AIDS is curable by faith (Dube, 2003, p. 3). Hence

the importance of researching on how well equipped and informed they are to deal

with these important issues.

Michels (2005) in his qualitative study focused on informal information seeking

behaviour of seven biblical scholars. The participants turned to other professionals

for confirmation and affirmation as they became more self-confident as researchers.

Michels' research is very narrow since pastors are involved in numerous activities in

the life of a community and not just biblical issues. How one behaves in a class setup

may be different from the way he or she behaves in the field. In research conducted

in America by Fuller Institute of Church Growth (FICG, 1991), 70% of the 1500

pastors revealed that they did not have friends despite the fact that they belonged to a

denomination.

While no studies were found on information needs and information seeking

behaviour of pastors in Namibia or Africa, a few studies found on America (Wicks,

1999), Canada (Tanner, 1994) and Australia (Gorman, 1990) might have a bearing

on Namibia in the light of globalisation. Studies conducted in America reveal that

there are information gaps in the delivery of services by pastors. In the FICG study

referred to above, 50% of the 1500 pastors indicated that they were not able to meet

the demands of their jobs, while 90% revealed they were inadequately trained to

cope with ministry demands, resulting in 33% of pastors resigning every month in

America. The reasons for the failure by these American pastors to meet job demands

could include lack of knowledge, technological limitations and possibly low levels of

education. Awareness of, and access to, the right information is of major importance

in carrying out pastoral duties.

1.8

Theoretical framework

The study of information needs and information seeking behaviour is known to

scholars as "user studies" (Carr, 2006; Eskola, 1998; Mann, 2005). User studies have

been the major subject of many studies. These studies have resulted in a number of

information seeking models. A model in this case is a framework for thinking about a

problem, which attempts to describe an information-seeking activity and the causes

and consequences of that activity (Wilson, 1999). Some of these models are Wilson's

model of information seeking behaviour (1996), Dervin's sense-making theory

(2003), Ellis's behavioural model of information seeking strategies (1989) and

Kuhlthau's model of the stages of information-seeking (1991). Behind these models

is the belief that information seeking is a result of the recognition of some need

perceived by the user.

Models are needed in research because they provide guidance in setting research

questions. This research is based on Wilson's (1996) model of information seeking

behaviour and partly on the sense-making theory developed by Dervin and others

(2003). Wilson proposes that an information need is not a primary need, but a

secondary need that arises out of needs of a more basic kind. In an effort to discover

information to satisfy a need, the enquirer is likely to meet with barriers of different

kinds. Wilson notes that the context of the needs may be the person himself/herself,

or the role demands of the person's work or life.

The central idea of the sense-making theory is that as people move through time and

space, they develop unique points of view from personal experiences and

observations, and at some point they come to a gap, where sense runs out, which then

needs to be bridged. It is this gap that also causes the information seeker to behave in

a certain way in trying to bridge the gap. This implies that when pastors are

confronted with demands in their different roles, they use the information they have

accumulated over the years, but when that information becomes inadequate, they

look for more information elsewhere.

The study's questionnaire and interview guide were designed taking into

consideration the information-seeking activities, causes and consequences of the

activities as outlined in Wilson's model of information seeking.

1.9

Definition of terms and concepts

This section endeavours to clarify the terms used in this study.

Church: According to Douglas (1978) the word "church" is derived from a Greek

word "kurikon", which means "the Lord's" house or body. Douglas further defines

this body as "people of God, called by the divine initiative into holy convocation" (p.

226). In this study the word church is used to refer to the body of Christians either in

their local groupings or universally.

Congregation: A group of people assembled in a specific place for ecclesiastical

purposes.

Contextualisation: According to Nicholls (1979) contextualisation is "the

translation of the unchanging content of the Gospel of the kingdom into verbal form

meaningful to the peoples in their separate culture and within their particular

existential situations" (p. 647). In this study contextualisation is used to refer to

indigenisation.

Denomination: A group of congregations united under a common theological

doctrine and name and organised under a single administration or legal hierarchy.

Gap: A gap is an encounter with a discrepancy or lack of sense in a person's

environment. Dervin (1983) defines gap as, "a state that arises within a person, that

might be filled by information or by some other kind of help or bridge (cited in Case,

2006, p. 332). In this study a gap refers to lack of information or skill to perform the

desired duties.

Information behaviour: According to Case (2002) information behaviour

"encompasses information seeking as well as the totality of other unintentional or

passive behaviours ..., as well as purposive behaviours that do not involve seeking,

such as actively avoiding information" (p. 5). In other words, information behaviour

refers to what an individual does to fulfil an information need.

Information need: Wilson (1999) describes information need as "not a primary

need, but, first, a secondary need that arises out of needs of a more basic kind; and

second, that in an effort to discover information to satisfy a need, the enquirer is

likely to meet barriers of different kinds" (p. 252). An information need according to

this study is the information required by an individual to carry out a task.

Information seeking behaviour: These are strategies employed by individuals to

acquire information, including a selection of sources and channels, to meet their need

and preference for messages on particular subjects (Case, 2002; Wilson, 19992). In

this study, information seeking behaviour is what a person does in pursuit of

information to satisfy a need.

Pastor: A man or woman trained to take physical and spiritual care of a

congregation irrespective of their denomination. The same word is used to refer to

priests and elders.

Pastoral information: Data that can be used by pastors to enable them to carry out

their pastoral duties effectively.

Pastoral information services: Those services that aim to provide pastors with

relevant information for their specific duties. In this study, services refer to support

given to pastors to enable them to carry out their pastoral duties.

1.10

Research design and methodology

A detailed discussion of the study's research design and methodology is given in

Chapter 3. However, this section gives a brief overview of the research design and

methodology of the study.

1.10.1

Research design

A mixed method approach (using quantitative and qualitative techniques) was

preferred because of its numerous advantages that include ability to gather data from

a dispersed and large number of subjects. The methodology can be used to get data

on attitudes and behaviours as well as to find answers to the questions who?, what?,

when?, and where?. Most importantly, the findings of a mixed method approach

research can be generalised (Mouton, 2001, p. 153), thereby allowing the researcher

to propose a framework for setting up pastoral information services that may be

applicable to all Namibian pastors.

The quantitative approach was used to obtain personal data, while the qualitative

technique was used to obtain data on knowledge, awareness, feelings, attitudes, and

opinions relating to the information seeking behaviour of pastors. A questionnaire

was hand delivered to pastors in different parts of the country through the Namibia

Evangelical Theological Seminary's (NETS) regional offices in Ongwediva,

Gobabis, Mariental, Walvis Bay and Windhoek.

1.10.2

Population

There are approximately 173 denominations in Namibia (Mandryk, 2010, p. 614). It

is not easy to know the exact number of denominations in Namibia since there are no

requirements by the government for churches to be registered. Sixteen churches are

affiliated with Council of Churches of Namibia (CCN) while others are affiliated

with the Association of Pentecostals and Charismatic Churches in Namibia

(APCCN). Some denominations are not affiliated with any church body. However,

according to Brain (2011), there are approximately over 1400 trained pastors

presiding over congregations in Namibia. This group was used as the research

population for this study.

1.10.3

Sample

The most critical element of the sampling procedure is the choice of the sample

frame which constitutes a representative subset of the population from which the

sample is drawn (Pinsonneault, 1991). Selecting a sample was necessary as

consulting all pastors in Namibia could not have been possible (Struwig Stead,

2001, p. 109). A stratified quota sample of 200 pastors was taken from different

denominations using Walpole's formula for proportions (Walpole, 1982) as

explained below:

= (N

/ N) n

Where: n

represents Quota size required,

represents Number of pastors in each denomination

N represents Total study population,

n represents Total sample size used.

The formula helped to determine the number of pastors to be taken from each

denomination to participate in the questionnaire survey, while purposive sampling

was used to select 16 key informants to participate in the interviews.

1.10.4

Data collection methods

The research was conducted with the aid of three data collection instruments. The

researcher reviewed existing literature, sent out a structured questionnaire and

conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants to collect qualitative

and quantitative data. Existing literature here refers to denominational policy

documents that may prohibit pastors from using certain information sources.

Interviews are a direct face-to-face attempt to obtain reliable and valid measures in

the form of verbal responses from respondents. Interviews were used to obtain

qualitative data about personal information, attitudes, perceptions and beliefs of the

pastors regarding their information needs, information seeking behaviour and how

prepared they think they are to deal with pastoral tasks. For quantitative data a

questionnaire with open-ended and closed questions based on the concepts of

Wilson's information seeking behaviour model and Dervin's sense-making theory

were used to gather data on context, information behaviour and difficulties

encountered in seeking information.

The Likert scales are a widely used attitude scaling tool and in this study a four point

scale was used. The scale measures the extent to which a person agrees or disagrees

with the question; for example "strongly agree", "agree", "disagree" or "strongly

disagree" (Albaum, 1997, p. 333). The scale was also used to gather data on

demography, information needs and different roles played by pastors.

1.10.5

Validity and reliability

A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data on perceptions

from the sixteen pastors purposively selected from different denominations as key

informants, while a questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative information from

pastors throughout the country. The pastors were purposively selected to represent

their denominations as most of them are represented in Windhoek. Triangulation

(using different data gathering instruments) gives the desired confidence, or what

Struwig and Stead (2001) refer to as "reliability and validity" to a study (p. 100).

Before the research was conducted, a pilot study was conducted with 5 pastors-in-

training to test the validity of the instruments. The feedback from the pastors-in-

training was that the level of English was a bit high and the researcher simplified the

English. After simplifying the English, the researcher noted that the instruments were

good enough to produce the desired objectives. This was done to ensure the validity

of the instruments.

1.10.6

Procedure

A list of pastors in Namibia was created after consultation with the Council of

Churches, Association of Pentecostals and Charismatic Churches in Namibia,

theological colleges and heads of denominations. A self-administered questionnaire

was handed to 200 pastors while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16

key informants (pastors) based in Windhoek.

1.10.7

Data analysis

Data analysis is about how the researcher orders and presents the findings of this

study. The purpose of the analysis is to "transform the unordered data into something

meaningful" (Gillham, 2000, p. 25). In this study, a computer-based programme,

SPSS (2010) was used. Basic level descriptive statistics were used to organise and

analyse statistical data obtained using quantitative techniques. The data was placed

into categories of objects for each variable that was measured by the different

questions in the questionnaire. Qualitative data obtained through verbal and written

responses (interviews) was analysed using content analysis.

1.11

Research ethics

Research ethics provide the researcher with a code of moral guidelines on how to

conduct research in a morally acceptable way. It involves obtaining the informed

consent of the participants. The participants need to agree to the use of the data and

how its analysis will be reported and disseminated (Gillespie, 2008, p. 46). Before

the study was carried out, written permission was sought from the Council of

Churches and Heads of Denominations concerned. Informed consent was also sought

from the participants and confidentiality was protected by way of not requiring

participants to give their names.

1.12

Structure of the thesis

This study presents the findings from the literature reviewed, questionnaires and

interviews as outlined in Chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 4 presents and analyses the data,

while Chapter 5 deals with the interpretation of the data presented and analysed in

Chapter 4. Chapter 6 recommends a framework for setting up pastoral information

services, while Chapter 7 gives an overall summary of the findings and conclusions

of the study and giving recommendations based on those conclusions. Table 1.1

gives an outline of the thesis and a brief overview of the contents of each chapter.

Table 1.1: Division of the thesis

Chapters

Content overview

Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapter 1 includes the introduction to the study; orientation of

the study; problem statement; objectives; research methodology;

definition of terms; research procedure; significance of the study

and the structure of the thesis.

Chapter 2

Literature review

In Chapter 2, literature that is relevant to the research objectives

is reviewed.

Chapter 3

Research

methodology

This chapter discusses how the survey research method was

applied including its application of both qualitative and

quantitative techniques in the collection and analysis of the data.

Chapter 4

Data analysis and

presentation

This chapter presents the collected data on: information needs

and seeking behaviour of pastors; perceptions of pastors on how

well prepared they think they are to meet ministry demands;

information sources used and how they are used and factors

affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour in comparison

to researches done elsewhere.

Chapter 5

Interpretation of

the data

In Chapter 5, findings of the study are discussed in relation to

the objectives of the study and the literature review.

Chapter 6

Framework for

setting up pastoral

information

services

Chapter 6 highlights one of the recommendations of the study,

which is also an answer to Objective 5: "To come up with a

framework for setting up pastoral information services in

Namibia".

Chapter 7

Summary,

conclusions and

recommendations

This chapter gives a summary, conclusions and

recommendations on the findings of the study.

References

This section gives a list of all information sources cited in the

study. The American Psychology Association (APA) style of

referencing was used.

Appendices

This section includes a letter by the Supervisor to introduce the

researcher, a letter of request by the researcher, data gathering

protocol, questionnaire, informed consent form and interview

guide.

1.13

Summary

This chapter has provided the overview of the study by discussing the orientation of

the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, significance of the study,

limitation of the study, literature review, theoretical framework, ethical issues,

definition of terms, the design and methodology of the study and the structure of the

thesis. Chapter 2 reviews the literature on information needs and information seeking

behaviour of pastors, perceptions of pastors on their preparedness to meet ministry

demands, information sources used by pastors and factors affecting their information

seeking behaviour.

CHAPTER 2

: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

This literature review was undertaken based on the assumption that knowledge

accumulates and that we learn from and build on what others have done (Neuman,

2011, p. 111). Hart (1998) notes that without a review of literature one will not be

able to acquire an understanding of his or her topic, of what has already been done on

it, how it has been researched and what the key issues are (p. 1).

In an attempt to locate literature on the information needs and information seeking

behaviour of pastors, the researcher searched a number of databases (LISA, LISTA,

and JSTOR). Indications are that a number of studies have been conducted on

information needs and information seeking behaviour in general. However, nothing

was found on information needs and information seeking behaviour of pastors in

Namibia or Africa. The review helped in conducting a survey on information needs

and information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia and the findings assisted in

proposing a framework for pastoral information service.

Since literature on information seeking behaviour of pastors in Namibia or Africa

could not be found, the literature review was expanded to include similar studies

such as information seeking behaviour of theologians and information seeking

behaviour in general. The goal of the literature review was to meet the objectives of

the study, which are:

x To establish the information needs and information seeking behaviour of

pastors;

x To determine the perceptions of pastors on their preparedness for their

pastoral duties;

x To establish the information sources used and how they are used;

x To investigate factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour; and

x To come up with a framework for setting up pastoral information services in

Namibia.

These objectives, as outlined in Chapter 1 and information behaviour models, formed

the basis of subtopics of the literature review.

2.2

Information needs and seeking behaviour of pastors

Before discussing the information needs and information seeking behaviour of

pastors, it is imperative to define important words that make up this review. This

section will define "information", "information need", "information seeking" and

"information behaviour" as these terms are important in understanding the subject

under study.

2.2.1

Information

The word "information" is sometimes confused with "data" and "knowledge".

Machlup (1983) points out that data is a "raw" type of information (p. 657) while

"information" is the processed data. For Machlup, knowledge can be acquired

through thinking whereas information is acquired by being told (p. 644). The word

"information" is derived from the Latin word "informare" which means, "giving

form" or "to design" (Ryden, 2008). Reitz (2004) defines it as "data presented in a

comprehensible form to which meaning has been attributed within the context of its

use". In other words, specific data can be considered as information if it conveys a

meaning to the person who receives it.

Brenda Dervin (1992) defines information as "that which helps people to make

sense of their world". Dervin further notes that "the individual, in her time and space,

needs to make sense ... She needs to inform herself constantly. Her head is filled

with questions. These questions can be seen as her information needs" (p. 170).

Buckland (1991) defines information in three ways: as a "thing", as "knowledge" and

as a "process". Information as a "thing" is used attributively to refer to objects, such

as documents (books, DVDs, CDs) as they have the feature of imparting knowledge.

Information as "knowledge" denotes that which is perceived in information as a

"process", that is the knowledge communicated. Information as a "process" refers to

the act of informing, telling, or communicating knowledge. In this context,

information will encompass all three: thing, knowledge and process.

In this study the terms "data," "information" and "knowledge" will be used

synonymously, because they are not clearly delineated in studies of information

behaviour. In the past, knowledge was strictly viewed as something of the mind,

while data and information were viewed as tangible physical objects. The new

paradigm in information seeking is to view all three as something in someone's mind

and not primarily as a physical object (Case, 2005, p. 65).

2.2.2

Information need

Having defined information, it is also important to define what an information need

is. Rertz (2004) defines information need as a gap in a person's knowledge that,

when experienced at the conscious level as a question, gives rise to a search for an

answer. If the need is urgent, the search may be pursued with diligence until the

desire is fulfilled. According to Grunig (1989) needs are an "inner motivational

state" that brings about thought and action (p. 209). This "inner state" may include

wanting, believing, doubting, fearing, or expecting (Liebnau Backhouse, 1990).

Green (1990) has identified four general conclusions about needs. Needs are

instrumental, usually contestable, necessary and are not necessarily a state of one's

mind.

Needs, as Green points out, are instrumental in the sense that when they are pursued

they help one to reach a desired goal. Hanson (1971) argues that real needs are

neither always recognised nor precisely formulated and may not lead to positive

steps being taken to secure the information (p. 50). According to Green, needs are

usually contestable because they are different from wants. A need is a necessity

without which one may not be able to satisfy primary needs while a want is

something one can live without. Last but not least, needs are not necessarily a state of

mind, for it is possible to be unaware of one's true need (pp. 65-67). Choo and

Auster (1993) have echoed that information needs vary according to users'

membership in professional or social groups, their demographic backgrounds, and

the specific requirements of the task they are performing (p. 284). In other words, it

is the information need that leads to information seeking.

Pastors train in different institutions and serve in denominations and congregations

that vary socially, economically, politically and spiritually. Their information

seeking behaviours could therefore be affected by their different contexts. However,

it is the "inner state" referred to above that drives the different pastors to different

sources of information. Such sources could be personal libraries, public libraries or

other pastors.

Now that information and information need have been defined, it is also important to

also understand what information seeking means.

2.2.3

Information seeking

Spink and Cole (2005) define information seeking as, "a sub-set of information

behaviour that includes the purposive seeking of information in relation to a goal" (p.

262). Information is not sought in a vacuum. This is why Wilson (1999) notes that

purposive seeking for information is a consequence of a need to satisfy some goal.

There is always a motivating factor behind all information seeking. The seeker exists

in an environment that partially determines, constrains, and supports the types of

needs and inquiries that arise. The seeker also has his or her own memories, pre-

dispositions and motivations. According to Belkin and Croft (1992) the process is

necessitated by a problem and a need to solve it. However, Sperber and Wilson

(1995) have cautioned that it is not only because of problems or because of a need to

make decisions that people seek information. Sometimes people seek information out

of the desire to have more information.

Information seeking is an implicit decision that people make in answering their

questions. In making this decision, people make implicit assumptions about the cost

of finding the information, its value and the cost of not having it. The amount of time

people are willing to spend depends on the nature of the information needed and the

value they place on their time (Clair, 1997, p. 72).

Information seeking therefore is an important step to problem solving. The process

begins when someone perceives that the current state of knowledge is less than that

needed to deal with some issues (Hayden, 2011). The process includes recognising

and interpreting the information problem, establishing a plan of search, conducting

the search, evaluating the findings and, if necessary, iterating through the process

again (Hearst, 2009).

If information is located and is used, then the information seeking was successful.

However if the located information fails to satisfy the original perceived need, the

process of information seeking is likely to continue. Weberley and Jones (1998) have

argued that information seeking is a basic activity in which all people participate,

while Spink and Cole (2007) have reiterated that information seeking behaviour is a

unique attribute that differentiates people from animals.

As pastors serve in their different duties of administration, Christian education,

church discipline, community service, counselling, evangelism, prayer, sermon

preparation, social action, teaching, preaching, home visitations, weddings,

premarital counselling, conducting funerals and visiting the sick in hospital, they

definitely need information. The Bible has outlined a number of responsibilities that

pastors should perform by as shown in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1: Biblical pastoral responsibilities

Responsibility

Passage (NASB)

Reference

Oversight of the

church

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the

flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made

you overseers...

Acts 20:28

Share authority

with others

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you... nor

yet as lording it over those allotted to your

charge...

1 Peter 5:1,3

Shepherd the

church

Therefore, I exhort the elders ... shepherd the

flock of God among you...

1 Peter 5:1 2

Teach the Word

of God and pray

But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to

the ministry of the word.

Let the elders who rule well be considered

worthy of double honor, especially those who

work hard at preaching and teaching.

Acts 6:4

1 Tim 5:17 19

Resolve

doctrinal issues

And the apostles and the elders came

together to look into this matter.

Acts 15:6

Godly example

to the church

Therefore, I exhort the elders ... be examples

to the flock.

1Peter 5:1 2

Pray for the sick

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the

elders of the church, and let them pray over

him...

James 5:14

Church

Discipline

And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to

the church...

Matt.

18:15

Source: Like the Master Ministries (2011)

The Greek word translated as "pastor" literally means "shepherd". In the context of

the Bible, this refers to a spiritual shepherd rather than a literal one. Just as Jesus was

described as the good shepherd, the pastor's duties include shepherding his church

members, or those who attend the church and live in the surrounding community.

The Apostle Peter in his epistle instructs elders to shepherd the flock of God,

exercising oversight voluntarily and with eagerness (1 Peter 5:1-5). One of the major

responsibilities of a pastor is to shepherd the church, caring for the members as one

would do with sheep.

The major duties of the modern pastor are preaching and teaching, and most pastors

will spend more time on preparing to preach and teach than on any single other task.

Pastors must study the Bible and develop sermons in addition to teaching Sunday

morning classes and sometimes evening Bible studies as well. This is how they "feed

the flock." Another important duty of a pastor is to counsel members of his or her

congregation. This is often referred to as pastoral care. Pastoral counselling is not

just for deep emotional problems; it can be as simple as meeting with people to see

how they are and to answer questions about Christian life. Pastors also offer pre-

marital counselling to engaged couples for whose weddings they will officiate. In

carrying out all these responsibilities, pastors need information.

2.2.4

Information behaviour

Case (2006) states that information behaviour "encompasses information seeking as

well as the totality of other unintentional or passive behaviors..., as well as

purposive behaviors that do not involve seeking, such as actively avoiding

information" (p. 5). Information behaviour takes place in a context. Dewey (1960)

defines context as "a selective interest or bias, which conditions the subject matter of

thinking" (p. 90). According to Bateson (1978), context is "the pattern that connects

..., without context there is no meaning" (p. 13).

In their studies on information seeking behaviour of theologians, Gorman (1990) and

Wicks (1999) found that theologians rely heavily on "invisible colleges" when they

are in need of information. An invisible college is a set of informal communication

relations among scholars or researchers who share a specific common interest or goal

(Zuccala, 2011). The term was first used in seventh century Europe when the Royal

Society of London was founded. Its members did not belong to a formal institution,

and as such, they referred to themselves as an invisible college due to their

geographical closeness and regular meetings based on shared scientific interests. This

is the same concept Crane (1972) has referred to as a "social network."

Lauman (1987) has identified three components that can be used to determine

network boundaries, namely, actors, relations and activities. Actors are in this case

pastors who serve in the same denomination. However, serving in the same

denomination may not necessarily mean the pastors have a working relationship.

Relations refer to pastors serving in the same denomination and who have frequent

purposeful contact with one another, while activities refer to a working together of

pastors to lobby the Government with regard to a cause, for example HIV and AIDS

under the Council of Churches. These pastors may actually be coming from or

serving in different denominations.

A survey by Barna Group (2006) of pastors in the United States revealed that pastors

struggle to maintain friendships. In fact, 382 (61%) pastors out of the 627

participants admitted that they had no close friends. Wicks (1999) reiterates that,

"when the social network theory is applied to information needs, the premise is that

the particular social networks to which individuals adhere affect the way in which

they seek information" (p. 156). This is a hypothesis this researcher will try to verify

in this study.

According to Wicks, even though pastors use libraries, in most cases they build their

personal collections during their time of training. Even when they visit a library, they

tend to function independently of librarians. Wicks goes further to say that pastors

seek information by themselves and enjoy browsing shelves and scanning journals.

Wicks does not only see pastors as information seekers but as "gatekeepers". A

gatekeeper according to Crane (1967) is a person who controls the flow of

information through a channel by shaping, emphasising, or withholding it. Pastors

are not only information seekers but are also information sources. They give

information not only to church members but also to each other.

Wicks' study focuses on lecturers and students in a seminary setup rather than

pastors serving in a local church setting. However, the researcher finds Wicks' study

helpful as it shows how information seeking behaviour is developed in the lives of

the pastors-to-be.

In wrestling with HIV and AIDS especially in the African context, issues of

spirituality and religion cannot be ignored and this is why on several occasions the

Namibian Government has called on pastors to come on board. In addition, Ryden

(2008) says that many people tend to listen to pastors more than they do to other

people. Unfortunately, pastors differ in their approach with regard to different issues

of life. Even when they are from the same denomination, speaking on the same topic

and at the same point in time, a certain lack of uniformity exists in their

interpretation of the Bible (Wicks, 1999, p. 220). For example, concerning HIV and

AIDS, some pastors say HIV is God's judgement on immoral people, while others

proclaim that AIDS is curable by faith (Dube, 2003, p. 3). It is for this reason that the

researcher thinks it is important to research how well equipped and informed pastors

are to deal with these important issues.

Michels (2005) in his qualitative study focused on informal information seeking

behaviour of seven biblical studies scholars. The findings show that participants

turned to other professionals for confirmation and affirmation as they became more

self-confident as researchers. Michels' research tends to be very narrow since pastors

are involved in numerous activities in the life of a community and not just biblical

issues. In addition, the way one behaves in a class setup may be different to the way

he or she behaves on the job.

However, Wicks (1999) hypothesised that the behaviour of pastors is influenced by

the interaction of their work worlds and work roles (p. 208). Pastors' worlds are of

three categories: theological, denominational and congregational. There are also

three roles that pastors undertake: preaching, care giving and administering. Wicks

further reiterates that information seeking among clergy could be characterised as

"open" or "closed" depending on the particular world in which the pastor is operating

and the specific role he or she is performing at that time (p. 209). Understanding the

process of pastors' information seeking behaviour can thus help the study to answer

the question: "What should the church and pastoral information service providers do

to support the pastors?"

2.3

Information sources used and how they are used

An information need often leads the user to search for information, making demands

upon a range of information sources. According to Hayden (2011) these information

sources include information systems (university and public libraries); human

resources (experts, professors, colleagues); and other resources (personal libraries

and media). Ryden (2008) in his study noted that there were very few religious books

in public libraries and this could probably explain why pastors gather their own

information sources during their time of training (Wicks 1999). Case (2006)

highlights information sources as being formal or informal. Formal sources refer to

textbooks, encyclopaedias, or daily newspapers, while informal sources tend to be

friends, colleagues, and family.

Pastoral work, like any other trade or profession, requires information sources

(Anderson, 1985, p. 38). Anderson points out that for many years the principal

sources of the pastorate have been books. These books include Bible translations,

Bible study aids (Greek and Hebrew lexicons, word-study books, Bible dictionaries,

atlases, encyclopaedias, and concordances), background information (Bible survey

books and Bible history books), theological works, biographies, devotional books,

books on church history, Christian education, missions, administration, counselling,

music, pastoring and worship.

Lee and Cho (2011), in their study on factors affecting information seeking and

evaluation in a distributed learning environment, note that the perceived quality of

information and the information source is the main criterion that guides an

individual's information seeking behaviour (p. 216). Different authors (Beebe

Details

Pages
Type of Edition: Erstausgabe
Year: 2014
ISBN (eBook): 9783954897995
ISBN (Softcover): 9783954892990
File size: 1.2 MB
Language: English
Publication date: 2014 (June)
Keywords: information namibian

Author

David Matsveru (Author)

Information needs and Information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors

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Author

David Matsveru (Author)