Journal of Management Information and Decision Sciences (Print ISSN: 1524-7252; Online ISSN: 1532-5806)

Abstract

Management support and implementation of electronic document and records management systems in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN)

Author(s): Parbanath, S., Ndebele, I., Nyide, C. J., & Ndlovu, B.

E-government implementation initiatives achieve different levels of success in implementing Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS). Studies have indicated that only a small percentage of e-government systems in developing countries are successfully implementing EDRSM while the implementation in most countries is either total or partial failures. Studies have shown that e-government failures in developing countries are mainly due to the following: an absence of training schemes and suitable staff, a lack of educating employees about the value and benefits of adopting e-government systems and a large design gap where off-the-shelf systems that are taken from developed countries and imposed developing countries. However, very little research has been conducted on management support in ensuring that systems in e-government are successfully implemented. This study aims to determine the extent to which a lack of management support has contributed to a partial or complete failure of e-government systems in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This study contributes to a lack of quantitative research in the implementation of e-government systems. Solutions to mitigate the problems to achieve a fair degree of success in the implementation of EDRMS are also suggested. Quantitative data was collected from employees at KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Purposive sampling for the quantitative data was used to select a sample size of 181 participants out of 341 population. The results of the study revealed that poor planning and a lack of management support are the main factors that hindered the implementation of EDRMS at KZN COGTA. Changes in management during the implementation of EDRMS also contributed to partial or total failures in this regard. The results also indicated that management inputs, such as decision-making, planning and information dissemination are critical in the successful implementation of EDRMS.

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