Executives who understand their work in terms of a flow of information are still a very small minority. Most of us continue to use computers primarily to do things we have always done - that is, to crunch numbers. Information - which means the right knowledge to take effective action - is still something more talked about than used, partly because one cannot simply convert data into information. Data are just one source of information.

Editor's Note: I am a big fan of Drucker's writings and am always amazed at how many of his insights have long-lasting value. Witness this piece, written in 1990, still every bit as relevant...