Which of the following best describes the purpose of filing in an office?

The primary purpose of filing in an office is to organize information for easy retrieval. An effective filing system allows employees to access needed documents promptly and efficiently, leading to enhanced productivity and better management of resources. When information is organized systematically, it reduces the time spent searching for files and supports the overall workflow within an office environment.

While preservation of documents, security of sensitive data, and facilitation of communication are certainly important aspects of an office's operations, the core function of a filing system is fundamentally about ensuring that information can be located quickly and easily. When information is organized effectively, it inherently supports these other functions as well. For example, well-structured filing can aid in preserving documents by reducing wear and tear from frequent mishandling, and it can help facilitate communication by providing quick access to relevant documents when needed. However, it is the organization aspect of filing that stands out as the primary intent.