STRATEGIC UTILIZATION OF RECORDS IN THE MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: DETERMINANTS AND IMPLICATIONS

This conceptual paper explores the strategic use of records in the Malaysian public sector, emphasizing their role as vital assets for governance, transparency, and service delivery. It addresses the theoretical and empirical gaps in understanding how records users and records value influence the strategic use of records and examines the mediating role of records value. A systematic literature review approach was adopted to synthesize existing theories, models, and empirical studies related to records management and strategic use of records. The review followed four stages identification, screening, eligibility, and synthesis drawing on established frameworks such as the Life Cycle Concept of Records, Technology Acceptance Model, Sociotechnical System Theory, and Governance Recordkeeping Model. The review revealed limited empirical research on determinants and impacts of strategic records use, particularly in Malaysia. While previous studies examined aspects such as decision-making, good governance, and evidence provision, few integrated both user-related and value-based determinants within a comprehensive model. The proposed research framework identifies records user and records value as key predictors of strategic use of records, with records value also acting as a mediator. The study highlights the need for context-specific instruments that can measure determinants and predict outcomes of strategic records use in the Malaysian public sector. Implementing such tools can guide policy, improve accountability, and embed records management into decision-making processes to enhance efficiency and sustainable governance. This paper advances theoretical understanding by linking user engagement and perceived value to strategic records use, while also proposing a mediating effect of records value. It offers a localized conceptual framework tailored to Malaysia’s governance environment, providing a foundation for future empirical testing using quantitative methods.