IMPACT OF DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY ON COMMUNICATION FLOW IN SCHOOL: A CORRELATION

Document Management

This study examines the critical relationship between effective document management and communication dynamics within educational institutions, focusing specifically on public schools in the Bunawan District of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. Effective communication is the cornerstone of a functional school environment, yet it is frequently hindered by inefficient document management practices. Lapses such as delayed memo circulation, misplaced files, and disorganized record-keeping create significant barriers to the seamless flow of information among teachers, staff, and administrators. These inefficiencies not only lead to communication gaps, misunderstandings, and missed deadlines but also actively reduce institutional responsiveness and collaboration. Global literature, including research by Al-Kharusi et.al (2020), Molefi & Mutula (2022), and Otoo et.al (2021), confirms that poor document workflows negatively impact communication clarity and that integrating digital document systems can significantly enhance accessibility, security, and information traceability. The problem is particularly relevant in the Philippine educational context, where studies by Rosales & Fajardo (2021) and De Guzman & Garcia (2020) have highlighted how communication among educators is heavily reliant on the accuracy and availability of school records. The consequences of outdated systems are evident, affecting both instructional and administrative operations. Locally, this study is motivated by observations that schools in Bunawan District continue to struggle with these very issues, with Manpatilan, et.al (2022) noting that communication breakdowns in these schools are often rooted in outdated document handling. In the face of increasing demands for timely and accurate information sharing, these persistent inefficiencies pose a significant challenge. Therefore, this research aims to address this gap by exploring how schools in the Bunawan District currently manage these challenges. The study's primary objective is to identify and propose specific strategies for improving document management and, consequently, strengthening the entire communication flow system within the district's public schools. By highlighting the pivotal role of efficient document governance, this research intends to foster a more organized, responsive, and collaborative educational environment consistent with the transformative impacts observed globally and locally.

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