Use of Multimethods in Assessing Records Management Practices in the Judiciary of Namibia

Abstract

Using more than one method of data collection or analysis in research is a well-established tradition in social sciences. The study adopted qualitative research and employed a multimethod approach for data collection. Findings revealed that the existing records management infrastructure in courts was highly inadequate. The study concluded that the current state of records management practices was likely to impede on the discharge of justice. The study recommends that, for the judiciary to improve the discharge of justice, records management should be driven by establishing a records management policy, building records management staff capacity and hiring qualified personnel, and following a top-down approach in records management with buy-in from all stakeholders involved in the processes of the justice system. Furthermore, a best practice framework for managing records in support of the discharge of justice is provided. This study contributes to the understanding between multimethod and mixed methods research.