Organizational Memory as Technology

How does organizational memory function in the context of digital computing? Organizational memory studies are rooted in information systems approaches that emphasize data storage and retrieval. For some time, however, such technical approaches have become replaced by studies of the human processes involved in remembering, and in social influences affecting the reframing of memories in light of collective influences. However, this analytical emphasis on human (individual and social) aspects stands in contrast with the growth of the use of information technology in organizations. Computers and networked devices not only send, receive, process and store massive amounts of communication, they also automatically generate data through sensors, cameras and algorithms. Moreover, 21st century media are focussed on feeding information back to the user (or organizational agent) to influence their choices, decisions and behaviour in real time. In this chapter we seek to contemplate how organizational memory works in such contemporary technical contexts. Drawing specifically on the media theorists Bernard Stiegler and Mark Hansen we contrast analogue and mechanical forms of memory from digital, computing based ones.