Records management (RM) and other professional work (oOP) in organizations: investigating the absence of RM recognition

Purpose This study aims to make records management (RM) more readily recognizable to other professions in organizations (oOP). Design/methodology/approach Intrigued by the absence of RM in profession-related literature, this investigation focused on characterizing this absence and theorizing the reasons behind it. The authors focused on organizational memory (OM) as it is relevant to both oOP and RM. Findings This study characterized the general absence of RM in oOP literature as “concealed” and the specific absence of RM in OM literature as “incomplete.” Two aspects detailed the concealment, and three aspects detailed the incompleteness. Contributing factors were developed through logical reasoning. Research limitations/implications The investigation needs to extend to more specific organizational activities beyond OM for its findings to be generalized. Practical implications Organizations benefit from understanding RM’s role accurately and thoroughly. The advancement of RM is facilitated by its recognition among other professional work in organizations. Mutual understanding between RM and oOP enhances organizational operations. Social implications A strong relationship between RM and oOP improves organizations’ social image. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to address the lack of RM recognition within the oOP and OM literature. By adopting the novel perspective of examining RM, this research offers fresh insights and valuable, instructive outcomes.