Records management models in the public sector in South Africa

Records management models play a significant role in the provision of records management services in organizations. However, many governmental bodies design records management programmes without taking into consideration the models appropriate for implementation. This study investigated records management models adopted by the public sector in South Africa, with a view to developing a model that can be customized by governmental bodies in the implementation of records management. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires distributed electronically to records management practitioners in governmental bodies. The study revealed that governmental bodies in South Africa apply general records management principles without customizing them or addressing the challenges they are facing. It is argued that, because each organization is unique in its make-up, culture, goals and management style, effective records management cannot be obtained by copying other organizations’ records management programmes. The study proposes a model that governmental bodies can customize in the implementation of records management.