Toward effective digital records management in Oman: key enablers, barriers and policy implications from government institution experiences

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of digital records management requirements in three Omani government institutions—the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the National Records & Archives Authority. Through qualitative analysis of interviews and documents, the research assessed the current state of adoption of digital records management, identified essential requirements like policies, human resources, technical infrastructure, and financial resources, and explored the challenges and best practices experienced by the organizations. The findings revealed that while the institutions are at different stages of implementing digital records management, common challenges include a lack of comprehensive policies and standards, a shortage of skilled staff, inadequate technological infrastructure, and limited funding. Key success factors highlighted were strong leadership support, staff training, agency collaboration, and adherence to international best practices. The study offers practical recommendations to improve digital records management capabilities in Omani government entities and support the national digital records management project. It contributes empirical insights to the limited research on digital records management implementation in the Arab region.