Records Creation and Knowledge Sharing Practices in Faith-Based Organizations: A Case of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nairobi Diocese
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss2pp25-35-937Keywords:
Knowledge sharing, records management, knowledge management, storage systems, Anglican Church of KenyaAbstract
Record creation is a core tenet of records management that enables knowledge sharing within organizations. In decentralized organizations such as churches that rely heavily on informal communication, record-keeping ensures continuity, accountability, and institutional memory. This study examined how records creation practices optimize knowledge sharing in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Nairobi Diocese. The target population included clergy, administrators, and parish councils within the selected parishes. The study was guided by the SECI model of knowledge creation and Record Continuum theory and used a mixed–methods approach. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews, and pretesting was done to ensure validity and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Descriptive statistics showed that records creation had a mean score of M = 3.654, SD = 0.540, indicating moderate-to-strong documentation within the Diocese. Pearson correlation showed a significant relationship between records creation and optimizing knowledge sharing (r = .442, p < .001). Qualitative findings noted that the diocese regularly created records for formal and compliance-related activities, such as sacramental registers, financial records, governance minutes, and official correspondence. However, documentation for activity reports, handover notes, and lessons learned was less consistent, and participants identified limited staff guidance as the main obstacles. The results clearly showed that systematic recording of events in churches through minutes, reports, registers, and correspondence improves information accessibility, cooperation, organizational memory, and evidence-based decision-making. The study recommends a diocesan records creation policy that specifies documentation standards through clear procedures, staff training, and proper records management systems to enhance information sharing.
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