Strengthening Records Management Awareness and Capability in Organizations

Introduction

ISO 15489 defines records management as the systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use, and disposition of records, including processes for capturing and maintaining evidence and information about business activities. It is a foundational discipline for any organization. In an era of stringent regulatory requirements and information overload, robust records management ensures that critical information is properly preserved, accessible, and eventually disposed of when appropriate. However, many organizations continue to undervalue records management, leading to compliance risks, operational inefficiencies, and even reputational damage. Strengthening awareness and capability in records management is therefore not just an administrative concern, but a strategic imperative. This white paper discusses the importance of records management, examines standards and frameworks that organizations can leverage, and outlines strategies to build greater awareness and capability. The goal is to persuade organizational leaders that investing in records management competency yields significant benefits in compliance, efficiency, and accountability