Information systems supporting the functions of organizational memory: an exploratory study

José Antônio Afonso Nonato, Gilberto Perez

Abstract


With this article, we analyze how existing Information Systems (IS) in organizations can support the functions of Organizational Memory (OM). In rapidly changing environments, the ability to retain knowledge can give organizations a competitive advantage. Challenged by staff turnover, reorganization processes, merge and acquisitions, and outsourcing, companies need to create alternatives to preserve its memory. Using the exploratory qualitative research method, we conducted in-depth interviews with Information Technology managers and Business Area users. The research results, in the form of seven categories, indicate that the existing IS may support some functions of the OM, and systems capable of handling less structured information and complex decisions produce greater contribution towards OM. From the resulting categories, we elaborated a relational schema that can serve as a basis for future studies.
Keywords: Organizational Memory; Information Systems; Systems Implementation

RESUMO

Com este artigo, analisou-se como os Sistemas de Informação (SI) disponíveis nas organizações podem apoiar as funções da Memória Organizacional (MO). Em ambientes de rápidas mudanças, a capacidade de reter conhecimentos pode conferir às organizações vantagem competitiva. Desafiadas por rotatividade de pessoal, processos de reorganização, fusões e aquisições ou terceirização, as empresas precisam criar alternativas para preservar sua memória. Utilizando o método de pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório, efetuaram-se entrevistas em profundidade, com gestores de Tecnologia da Informação e usuários da Área de Negócios. Os resultados da pesquisa, na forma de sete categorias, indicaram que os SI apoiam algumas das funções da MO, e que sistemas capazes de lidar com informações menos estruturadas e decisões mais complexas produzem maior contribuição para a MO. A partir das categorias resultantes, elaborou-se um esquema relacional que pode servir de base para futuros estudos.
Palavras-chaves: Memória Organizacional; Sistemas de Informação; Implementação de Sistemas

Keywords


Organizational Memory; Information Systems; Systems Implementation; Memória Organizacional; Sistemas de Informação; Implementação de Sistemas; Memória Organizacional; Organizational Memory; Information Systems; Systems Implementation.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4301/S1807-1775201815008

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