ISO 15489: A Tool for Records Management Mergers Critique

Article Critique

In the article “ISO 15489: A Tool for Records Management Mergers” Mary White-Dollmann discusses the benefits of using ISO 15489 in information management planning, whereas special attention is paid to the period after company mergers. The author highlights evolution of ISO 15489 and its application as practical tool and model. ISO 15489 is defined as a strong model for assessing and implementing new merger records management programs. In particular, ISO 15489 is a global standard that aims at providing the framework for uniform program implementation. Records management approach of ISO 15489 is process-driven meaning it focuses on each merging company.

After reading the article, I realized that mire attention should be paid to ISO 15489 standard because it simplifies records management planning and saves times. Moreover, I am sure that global standard set equal rights and opportunities for all companies as they are assumed to obey the same rules. More than 40countries in the world are under ISO 15489 standard and their number is growing. When speaking about implementation, I think that ISO 15489 can be applied to each company merger because it helps to identify core processes, owners and procedures. Moreover, it helps to identify reliability and efficiency of the company. I’d change the focus of records management from indexing to systematic retention programs.

Summing up, the article contributes to management field as the author increases awareness of key benefits of ISO 15489. I think that ISO 15489 should be implemented in organizations as it helps to understand requirements of records control, to support business requirements and to identify the validity of recommendations. ISO 15489 is useful for minimizing resistance to change, political and economic clashes in merger situations. Finally, ISO 15489 should be also applied to electronic records management. White-Dollmann concludes that ISO 15489 is able to revitalize information management strategy.

References

White-Dollmann, Mary. (2004, October).  ISO 15489: A Tool for Records Management Mergers. Information Management Journal, 38, 5, pp.39-43.