Abstract:
The primary objective of this research project was primarily to investigate filing methods
and mailing practices in the computer support or administrative environment with specific
focus on the abuse of paper.
The research design consisted of an exploratory investigation in selected Higher
Education Institutions in the Province of Gauteng whereby a structured questionnaire was
used as a measuring instrument. The investigation was sub-divided into two categories,
namely, paper-based filing systems and mailing systems as opposed to electronic filing
and mailing systems.
In the empirical findings, analysis and interpretations, correlation and cross-tabulation
were done on all sets of variables in order to determine whether any meaningful
associations could be found.
With reference to the title of this study "Combating the corporate paper war: optimising
electronic mail and electronic filing", it has been proven that the war against paper abuse
is far from over. Perceptions regarding a future paperless office and assumptions that
technology such as the electronic mail facility and electronic filing could assist
organisations to combat paper abuse were unfounded, due to a lack of guidance and
control measures in the corporate environment.
Consequently, it is recommended that an e-filing and e-mailing model be created and
followed in conjunction with specified computer software features in order to counteract
the abuse of paper.
Follow-up research could focus on electronic filing methods versus scanning of
documents for filing purposes.
