EFFECTIVE INDUSTRIAL RECORD MANAGEMENT TOWARD THE SURVIVAL OF AN ORGANIZATION

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of effective industrial record management on the survival of organizations, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. The research was motivated by the persistent challenges organizations face in maintaining proper records, such as document misplacement, inadequate storage systems, and limited adoption of digital tools. The study aimed to identify the types of industrial records used, determine their impact on organizational survival, and assess the level of compliance with record management regulations. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 50 staff members of selected industrial organizations in Plateau State, with 47 valid responses analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that most organizations maintain both manual and electronic record systems, classify records systematically, and ensure regular staff training and data backups. The results further indicated that effective record management enhances decision-making, productivity, transparency, and long-term sustainability, while poor practices lead to inefficiency and data loss. Moreover, most organizations demonstrated high compliance with record-keeping regulations, although gaps remained in policy monitoring and enforcement. The study concludes that sound record management is a strategic necessity for organizational survival and recommends full digital integration, continuous staff training, regular compliance audits, and periodic policy updates to strengthen accountability and competitiveness.