Impact of Information Control Culture and Supervisory Competence on Personnel Records Management in Tanzania's Local Government Authorities

Abstract

Proper personnel record management enhances the efficiency, integrity, and governance of the government sector. However, local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania continue to face significant challenges in this area, including inaccurate personnel information, improper filing, missing records, and inadequate file indexing. Therefore, this study examined the dynamic interplay between office supervisor competence, information control culture practices, and personnel records management within local government authorities in Tanzania mainland.  A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected from 179 office supervisors using structured surveys. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the hypothesised relationships. The findings revealed that information control culture had a significant positive influence on personnel records management (β = 0.332, p = 0.001). Furthermore, office supervisor competence significantly moderated this relationship (β = 0.133, p = 0.049). The results emphasise the importance of leadership and robust information governance in enhancing organisational efficiency and regulatory compliance. The study recommends implementing targeted leadership training and enhancing information control strategies to improve personnel records management in Tanzania’s local government authorities.