Organizational memory, downsizing, and information technology: A theoretical inquiry

Author(s)

Regina A. Greenwood, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Baiyun GongFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Management

ISSN

0813-0183

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Abstract/Excerpt

Organizational memory refers to the stored information from an organization's history that can be brought to bear on present decisions. Despite its critical role in supporting the overall efficiency of the organization, organizational memory can be damaged by downsizing, a popular strategy. This paper suggests that the implementation of information technology (IT) contributes to the maintenance and development of organizational memory during downsizing. Strategically implemented IT does not only enhance accessibility to knowledge repositories but also promotes flat organizational structure, which improves the efficiency of information processing. The paper calls for a strategy combining downsizing and IT implementation so that organizational memory is sustained while labor cost is reduced.

Volume

29

Issue

3

First Page

99

Last Page

109

NSUWorks Citation

Greenwood, Regina A. and Gong, Baiyun, "Organizational memory, downsizing, and information technology: A theoretical inquiry" (2012). HCBE Faculty Articles. 63.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcbe_facarticles/63