Does the lack of top management understanding of the value of information services prejudice its judgment?

In our current economic predicament, for many of us, nothing is more uncertain than our future career direction.  This is especially true for the information professional. Earlier in the month, the Library + Information Gazette highlighted that information services, particularly in the private sector, are a "soft target" for senior managers in their drive to cut costs.  This was attributed to the probability that there simply is a lack of understanding - and thus appreciation - of what information services do and the impact of their reduction or loss until after the event. 

So how can this worrying gap of understanding be bridged? How should recognition of the value of information services be effectively driven through the, often multiple, tiers of management and home into the board room at this critical juncture?

Comments

[Max Mkhize - M]

Yes it does, but is not only the value of information, it is what information is and how vital it is for the organisation. For example i work in the NHS, it seems Information Governance is paramount and taken seriously than Records Management. I guess its the law aspects in it, (fear of the unknown) I find that sad as they work hand in hand and without Records Management, Information Governance wouldnt work.