The mindset of recordkeeping: the intersection of records management and organizational psychology

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to synthesize records and information management (RIM) with the professional literature of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology to explain undesirable recordkeeping behaviors that may manifest in employees who interact with business records. Design/methodology/approach The author’s views are based on a literature review of both records management and organizational psychology trends and draw on case studies that identify undesirable recordkeeping behavior. Findings There is considerable overlap between the problems encountered by RIM professionals and the answers offered by I/O psychology. I/O psychology offers us the tools to better understand recordkeeping behaviors. Originality/value The author proposes using I/O psychology concepts to better situate RIM programs within the larger organizational context.