Metamorphosis: a Content Analysis of Records Management Job Descriptions in New Zealand Central Government Organisations.

Abstract

Change is constant in the records management environment, both in New Zealand and overseas. Over the last decade, the journal literature in the field of records management has concerned itself with discussing at length the need for records managers and records management professionals to adapt and transform in order to stay abreast of the wave of technological change. What is lacking in the literature is evidence of any comprehensive efforts to determine if New Zealand records management professionals are in fact keeping up with the changes, primarily legislative and technological, and reinforcing their value to organisations with records management functions. I undertook a longitudinal study to complete detailed content analysis of job descriptions for records management professionals operating within New Zealand central government organisations. The scope of the study included job descriptions for positions advertised in the 2002/03 and 2006/07 calendar years. Key elements of the job descriptions were coded and analysed including tasks and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, experience and the qualifications required of the appointee. The results of the analysis provide insight into the degree of information in job descriptions relating specifically to records management as opposed to more general workplace skills and competencies. Variances in job descriptions highlight the need to consider the adoption of recognised records management competency standards as a resource when developing and documenting records management job descriptions.