Abstract:
The study aimed at investigating the personnel records and the challenges faced
in the management of these records in Liwale District Council (LDC) in Tanzania.
The study used a qualitative approach in which 30 respondents were purposely
selected. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data in this
study. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science
version 20 computer program while qualitative data were subjected to content
analysis. Findings revealed that appointment letters and letters of confirmation were
the most cited type of personnel records readily available in various departments
in the District. Others include health and social security records, letters of transfer,
notifications of termination/death and retirement, medical report, wages and salary
slips, and copies of birth certificates. In addition, inadequate and improper storage
facilities, absence of electronic records management system, inadequate space
for records storage, human resource officers lack of records management skills
and lack of internal training were the main challenges affecting the management
of personnel records in the District. It is recommended that Liwale District Council
should address the challenges faced in the management of personnel records for
better and fair decision-making.
