As you sow, so you will reap: implementing ERMS

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research conducted during the period 2001‐2005 in eight organizations in Iceland on the implementation of four Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS).

Methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology was used, involving open‐ended interviews and participant observations. The participants were 38 employees of the eight organizations and six experts employed at six software providers.

Findings

The research identified the most important implementation factors for a successful outcome, exemplified in the implementation of the ERMS meeting expectations with a high proportion of the expected users actually using the system. These factors were managerial support, co‐operation of the records management and IT functions in the system development, and in the training of the users in both records management and the system. The users should participate in the implementation process and have a say in adapting the functional classification system to the ERMS.

Practical implications

The findings should aid the implementation of ERMS in other organizations in Iceland and abroad. These findings may, therefore, be of direct value for middle sized organizations in Western Europe, North America and Australia as the organizational culture regarding work, co‐operation and competition is similar in these parts of the world.

Originality/value

No research has been conducted in Iceland on this topic before, and only a few descriptive accounts have recently become available on the implementation of ERMS in other countries.

Citation

Gunnlaugsdottir, J. (2008), "As you sow, so you will reap: implementing ERMS", Records Management Journal, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 21-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690810858497