Skip to main content
Article
Organizational memory, downsizing, and information technology: A theoretical inquiry
International Journal of Management
  • Regina A. Greenwood, Nova Southeastern University
  • Baiyun Gong
ORCID

Regina A. Greenwood0000-0002-5577-499X

Document Type
Article
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.

Disciplines
Citation Information
Regina A. Greenwood and Baiyun Gong. "Organizational memory, downsizing, and information technology: A theoretical inquiry" International Journal of Management Vol. 29 Iss. 3 (2012) p. 99 - 109 ISSN: 0813-0183
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/baiyun-gong/13/