Management of personnel records at the Department of Teaching Service Administration, Botswana

Abstract

This study examined the management of personnel records at the Department of Teaching Service Administration (TSA) at the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. The study sought to establish how personnel records were created, used, maintained and disposed of at TSA. A survey methodology was used and questionnaires were distributed to 65 officers selected from members of staff who deal with personnel records on a daily basis and records management personnel. Personal observations were carried out and interviews were conducted to substantiate data gathered from the questionnaires. The study revealed that TSA lacks policies and procedures for the creation, use, maintenance and disposition of personnel records resulting in loss of personnel records and that the processes for managing personnel records were manual. The study recommends that TSA develops and implements policies and procedures for managing personnel records to ensure maintenance of reliable and complete personnel records for improved service to teachers.