Evaluating records management standards for big data in Malaysian organizations: a multiple case study

The increasing volume, variety, and velocity of data generated through digital technologies have intensified the need for effective management practices that ensure data reliability, integrity, and accountability. However, most big data approaches focus on analytics and technology rather than the governance principles required to manage information as reliable evidence. This research addresses this gap by examining big data management from a records management perspective. The study aims to explore how records management standards can be applied to control and manage big data effectively and to develop a framework integrating records management principles with big data characteristics. This study also emphasizes the importance of aligning data governance practices with established standards to ensure sustainability, compliance, and long-term accessibility of digital information within organizations. A qualitative research design was employed, involving interviews with records professionals selected through purposive sampling across organizations engaged in big data environments. Data were analyzed thematically to identify the alignment between records management elements and the defining characteristics of big data. This approach enabled an in-depth understanding of current practices, challenges, and the practical applicability of records management standards in dynamic and complex data environments. The findings revealed that out of the eight elements identified from ISO 15489-1:2016, six were found relevant and effective in addressing big data challenges. These six elements, together with several emergent elements identified through practice, formed the basis of a proposed framework for managing and controlling big data within organizational contexts. The framework provides a structured approach for integrating records management principles into big data initiatives, thereby enhancing governance, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in data-driven environments. The study contributes to both theory and practice by extending the application of records management standards into the big data domain and offering practical insights for organizations seeking to improve data governance strategies.