Functional classification

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to uncover the various difficulties that record-keeping professionals face when they maintain and use functional classification (FC) in Finnish public-sector organisations. An additional aim was to find out how they handle those difficulties in the course of their work. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 22 record-keeping professionals, at three Finnish public-sector organisations, were interviewed. The data generated were then analysed with qualitative methods. Findings – The study identified several difficulties that record-keeping professionals encounter in maintaining and using FC in various ways. In the main, however, the difficulties were not perceived as substantial. The participants had several methods of handling the difficulties in carrying out their work. The study also pointed to a clash between maintenance of FC systems and needs in other contexts of their use. Research limitations/implications – The difficulties faced and the means of handling them were evaluated only from interviews with record-keeping professionals at three Finnish public-sector organisations. Observation of real-world situations or performance of usability tests might have highlighted different difficulties or even revealed unidentified issues. Practical implications – Concrete improvements could be performed in organisations for better use of FC. The difficulties identified could be addressed also in FC design and in user training. The results of the study are of relevance for future research into FC’s use. Originality/value – The study highlights difficulties faced in maintaining and using FC systems. Identification of the various perceptions linked to maintenance and concrete use could be of importance in implementation of FC in organisations.