INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN DIGITALLY ENABLED OFFICES: EVALUATING ADMINISTRATIVE PRODUCTIVITY IN RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT MDAS

Abstract

The digital transformation of administrative processes has become an indispensable priority for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public institutions. This study empirically examined the relationship between digital office administration dimensioned through records automation and digital filing systems, and information management success, measured through information accessibility and data security, in selected government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Adopting a correlational survey design, data were collected from 112 administrative and ICT personnel using a structured questionnaire. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to test four hypotheses. Results revealed significant and positive relationships between records automation and both information accessibility (r = 0.652) and data security (r = 0.590). Similarly, digital filing systems were significantly correlated with information accessibility (r = 0.670) and data security (r = 0.703). These findings underscore the pivotal role of digital systems in improving the management of institutional information. The study concludes that strategic investment in digital office technologies and personnel training are essential steps toward securing administrative data and enhancing service delivery. Implications for administrative modernization, digital policy enforcement, and institutional capacity building are discussed.