A framework for information services: benchmarking for countries and companies

Purpose – The typology developed in this research allows one to compare a variety of information services around the world. A properly built typology ensures a methodologically‐valid framework. Design/methodology/approach – In this research typology‐building methodologies developed in social sciences and strategic management are imported to provide an example of how a typology may be built for information services. Findings – The prescriptive element derived from this framework helps to benchmark countries relative to different information services as a function of their level of development and cultural characteristics. Originality/value – This research enables managers of multinationals to distribute their information globally by taking advantage of the relative differences among countries.