Date of this Version
5-19-2026
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The study examined the role of records management in improving service delivery in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania. Specifically, it aimed to explore the state of records management practices within Local Government Authorities (LGAs), to assess the link between records management and service delivery in Local Government Authorities (LGAs), and identify possible barriers in records management that prevent Local Government Authorities (LGAs) from achieving better service delivery. A survey or census sampling method was used to select 240 respondents from a population consisting of 168 Action Officers (AOs), 60 records management staff (RMS), and 12 key informants. The study found that only 6.8% of Action officers and 22.4% of records management staff admitted that there are adequate records management practices in Local Government Authorities (LGAs). Overall, all respondents reported a positive relationship between records management and service delivery. The findings support the validity of the conceptual framework and theory applied. The results meet the established research objectives and are consistent with the constructs derived from and adapted within the existing framework and theory. Focusing on establishing effective records management in LGAs serves as a call to action for public organizations and policymakers to implement the necessary policies, laws, and guidelines for effective records management, which can lead to improved service delivery. Additionally, the study contributes to existing theories of records management and the records management workforce in both public and private organizations, emphasizing the importance of operational records management for successful operations in LGAs. Besides, using a mixed-methods research approach, this study aims to improve records management practices in Tanzanian LGAs, thereby enhancing service delivery in local government authorities, an area where such research has been limited.
