ETHICAL PRACTICE IN RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND THEIR IMPACT ON TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF BAGAMOYO DISTRICT COURT

This study examined ethical practices in records management and their impact on transparency and accountability at Bagamoyo District Court. It was guided by three objectives: assessing ethical records management practices, analyzing the relationship between professional ethics and access to information, and identifying implementation challenges. A descriptive case study design with a mixed-methods approach was used. The study involved 75 participants, including 45 court staff and 30 court users, selected from a population of 110 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, and observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings showed that although ethical principles such as confidentiality, integrity, and accountability are recognized, their implementation remains weak. About 68% of respondents had not received formal records management training, 72% reported missing or lost case files, and 64% identified unauthorized access to confidential records as a major concern. Additionally, 76% agreed that proper records management significantly enhances transparency. The study identified inadequate storage facilities, unclear policies, poor staff attitudes, and insufficient funding as key challenges. It concluded that ethical records management is essential for transparency and accountability but is hindered by gaps between policy and practice. The study recommends comprehensive ethical guidelines, mandatory staff training, stronger access controls, and increased investment in records management infrastructure.

Type

Other

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved