Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
An Assessment of Training Needs of Records Management Personnel at the National Archives of Zimbabwe
Date of this Version
Spring 3-2-2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Assessing the training needs of staff is important as it enables organizations to identify skills gaps and so effect remedial action to bring about productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. This study used the case study of the Records and Information Management section of the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) to identify areas where skills and competencies lacked, the reasons why there were skills gaps as well as mitigation measures to deal with the challenge. Without such an exercise, organizations continue to falter and fail to deliver as expected. The study used the organization-task-person model as its theoretical framework. The model propounds that there should be equilibrium between the person and the task that the person is expected to perform in pursuance of the organization’s mandate, objectives, and expectations. The study was qualitative and made use of the case study research design. Data was collected using unstructured interviews, personal observation, and document reviews. Out of a population of 34 officers in the Records and Information Management section of the NAZ, 21 were sampled from where 17 successfully participated. The study revealed skills gaps in records appraisal, automation, use of ICTs in records management and managing electronic records. These gaps were caused by many factors, amongst them being poor pre-service training, poor in-service training, lack of motivation, skills flight, and resistance to change. The study recommended that college and university curricular should be revisited to realign them to the current demands of industry and the job market. Workshops were also recommended to sharpen the skills and competencies of officers already on the job and so were motivation and active involvement of senior management in records and information management work.
Key words: records; records management; training needs; training needs assessment; Zimbabwe