The State of Awareness of  Records Management  Legal Framework   for Improved Records Management in Local Government Authorities in  Tanzania

Abstract

Rationale of the study - The study evaluated the awareness of the legal framework in records management to enhance records management practices in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania. Specifically, it aimed to assess how aware records management staff and action officers are of the legal framework, identify key factors influencing their awareness, and explore the strategies Local Government Authorities use to promote awareness of their legal obligations in records management. Methodology - A survey or census sampling approach was employed to select 240 respondents from a population of 168 Action Officers (AOs), 60 records management staff (RMS), and 12 key informants. Findings - The study revealed that 60.0% of records management staff were familiar with the legal framework governing records management. It also showed that only 24.35% of the action officers were aware of it. Generally, all respondents reported a positive link between awareness of the legal framework and records management practices. Implications - This study's results confirm the validity of the conceptual framework and theory used. The results address established research objectives and constructs derived from and modified within the existing framework and theory. The focus on creating, raising, and enhancing awareness acts as a call to action for public organisations and policymakers to establish the awareness pillars and guidelines needed for effective records management, leading to better service delivery. Furthermore, the study adds to existing theories of records management and the records management cadre in both public and non-public organisations, highlighting the importance of awareness creation for successful operations in LGAs.   Originality - In addition to employing a mixed-methods research approach, this study will enhance awareness of the legal framework for records management in LGAs in Tanzania, thereby improving records management practices in local government authorities, where such studies have been scarce.