Organizational Memory Systems in a Multi-Unit Public Organization

Abstract

Organizational memory systems (OMS) are means used by organizations to retain and reuse their knowledge. This study identifies organizational memory systems and their use for performing daily activities in a multi-unit public organization. Data were collected through a questionnaire and observation. Analytical categorization of systems, descriptive statistics, and non-parametric test were used as analytical procedures. The results show the most of OMS store explicit knowledge, but the most accessed store tacit knowledge. Internal and external systems to organization were identified. Identification of external systems suggests existence of a thin line between what organization proposes and formalizes as OMS and the systems actually in use. These results indicate the need to research the properties of existing memory systems and those actually used in organizations.