Corporate Memories: Tombs or Wellsprings of Knowledge?
Copyright © 2003, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. ABSTRACT This paper explores the nature of corporate memories in enhancing individual working knowledge and performance in a decision making context. Our findings from a series of studies indicate that people tended to use effectively up to two thirds of the encoded knowledge, missing at least one third of its maximum potential. Our findings also indicate that the effectiveness of knowledge repositories was highly contingent upon quantity, quality and diversity of their knowledge content. In particular, our study suggests that individuals can potentially benefit from additional knowledge management initiatives such as analytical and procedural knowledge, learning histories, guidance or interactive social environments. Future research may look at the impact of these initiatives independently, or at the possibility of a synergy effect when combined and integrated.