RECORD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AS A PANACEA TO EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE OF OFFICE MANAGERS IN FIRST BANK PLC

This study examined records management practices as a panacea to effective job performance of office managers in First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The study was motivated by the increasing complexity of documentation processes in the banking sector and the need to enhance administrative efficiency in a highly regulated environment. Three research questions guided the study, focusing on the nature and effectiveness of records management practices adopted in the bank, the level of job performance of office managers, and the extent to which records management practices influence job performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 150 administrative and records-related staff from selected branches in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A sample size of 60 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha, which yielded an acceptable reliability coefficient. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, mean scores, and grand mean, with a benchmark of 3.0 for decision-making. The findings revealed that the bank maintains structured and effective records management practices, including proper records creation, classification, storage, retrieval, security, retention, and digital management systems. The study also found that office managers demonstrate a high level of job performance in terms of efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, coordination, compliance, and productivity. Furthermore, the results established a strong positive relationship between effective records management practices and job performance. Efficient documentation systems were found to reduce delays, improve workflow coordination, enhance decision-making accuracy, and strengthen regulatory compliance. The study concluded that effective records management practices significantly enhance the administrative performance of office managers and contribute to overall organisational effectiveness in the banking sector. It recommended continuous staff training, sustained investment in digital records infrastructure, and strengthened records governance frameworks to maintain and improve performance outcomes. Keywords: Records management practices, job performance, office managers, electronic records management systems, banking sector, administrative efficiency.