Student organisations as information gatekeepers at higher education institutions: an evaluation of quality information distribution to prospective students

The calibre of information disseminated by higher education institutions (HEIs) is a pivotal element in student recruitment and institutional prestige. Although student-led organisations like clubs and societies serve as impactful peer-to-peer communication channels, the quality of the information they disseminate is frequently unregulated, presenting a considerable institutional risk. This study assesses the quality of material disseminated by student clubs and organisations to prospective students at a South African University of Technology. The evaluation is founded on essential dimensions of information quality: accuracy, integrity, consistency, completeness, validity, timeliness, and accessibility. The research utilised two theoretical frameworks: the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and Organisational Information Theory (OIT). The PDCA cycle transcends quality enhancement, functioning as an ongoing mechanism for organisational advancement, whilst the Organisational Information Theory aids in comprehending information dissemination within an organization. This qualitative research employed an interpretivist framework. Data were gathered via comprehensive interviews and two focus groups with 46 chairpersons and secretaries from 23 clubs and societies, augmented by an examination of their social media platforms. The findings indicate that the quality of information presents a systemic difficulty, stemming from an ambiguous and uneven comprehension of "quality information," a lack of internal quality standards, and an inadequate knowledge of institutional norms. The research suggests that clubs and societies function as influential yet predominantly unregulated information gatekeepers. In the absence of explicit policies and training, they risk disseminating disinformation, thereby harming institutional reputation and adversely affecting student recruitment. It is advisable for higher education institutions to establish explicit rules and cooperative methods to enable these groups to become dependable participants in the information ecosystem. Key Words: information, quality, student organisations, prospective students, misinformation