Quality documentation and records management: a survey of Turkish universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the records system of a Turkish public university, using the example of Hacettepe University in order to develop records management programs in Turkish universities. Design/methodology/approach – A survey method is used in this research; data are gathered through literature reviews, legal analysis, questionnaires, and interviews. Analyzing the information gathered concerning the differences and commonalities of the systems will allow researchers to develop solutions for records management. Findings – The paper finds that institutional processes in Turkish public universities relating to records are not able to meet legal and administrative requirements, and this inadequacy resulted from erroneous applications, insufficient legal regulations, lack of quality-based administrative structure, ineffective records management systems, and unqualified staff. Originality/value – This paper uses analysis techniques specific to the records management and quality management fields in order to provide information about the administrative systems needed for quality-based systems documentation.