Article2011

Records professionals: an invisible profession in Malaysia

13 citations0/0 files storedRecords Management Journal

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Digital and Traditional Archives Management Information Science and Libraries Information Systems and Technology Applications

Abstract

Purpose This study seeks to examine the existence of records professionals and their role in Malaysian organizations. Design/methodology/approach The study compares case studies done in six government‐controlled companies. Interviews were conducted with the persons handling the records and information (including records in electronic environment) in the organizations. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed manually to obtain the comparative data from each case. Findings The findings indicate that there are no “real” records professionals in Malaysian organizations. The responsibility and accountability of documenting and managing the organizations' records are dispersed and decentralized. Records managers as a profession are not established within the Malaysian organization structures. Generally there is no specific position of “records manager” in Malaysian organizations. However, the “archivists” are confined at the National Archives and there are no such positions at any of the case organizations studied. Research limitations/implications The study selected six of the government‐controlled companies. Practical implications Findings and discovery of the study are significant in confirming that Malaysian organizations (both public and private) are taking their records management responsibilities very unconscientiously with little understanding and support from the top management. They have yet to realize the risk their organizations are facing for non‐compliance to records management standards and practices. Originality/value The study confirms the non‐existence of the records professional's position in the formal structures of Malaysian organizations. Though their roles and responsibilities are vital in the management and protection of records to support the business delivery of the organizations, their functions are carried out without due recognition to the profession.

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References

2006A glossary of archival and records terminology 1994Electronic records, paper minds: the revolution in information management and archives in the post-custodial and post-modernist era 1994Electronic records, paper minds: the revolution in information management and archives in the post/ custodial and post/ modernist era. [Based on a presentation delivered by the author during his November 1993 Australian tour.]1992Managing the record rather than the relic

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