Management of Records in Tanzania: Review and Appraisal of Applicable Theories and Examination of Selected Empirical Findings

Abstract

This paper has examined applicable theories on the records and archives management (RAM) in an attempt to use empirical results and findings to explain the RAM practices. The paper had used ten deliberately selected empirical studies on the RAM practices conducted in Tanzania. Results and findings from the examined empirical studies reveals that records life-cycle theory has been dominantly used to study RAM practices in Tanzania; whilst case study methodology being the dominant research design used by most of the examined studies. Empirically, it has been found that RAM practices in Tanzania have been constrained by a number of constraining factors. The identified factors were, inter alia: inadequacy of RAM practices; inexistence of RAM guidelines; inadequate funding over RAM activities; untrained personnel; lack of comprehensive RAM policy; inadequate records storage space, equipment and facilities; and unreformed records and archives management systems. Based on these results and findings it is concluded that theories propounded for the records and archives management could be supplemented by other management theories and philosophies in studying specific issues on the subject matter. It is recommended that RAM needs specialised studies to determine the influence of the constraining factors on the extent of proper management of records and archives in the specialised administration and management fields that need efficient management and care of records.