Use of Organizational Memory Systems in a Police 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 police organization. Data was collected through a questionnaire and observation. Analytical categorization of systems and descriptive statistics 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 systems are actually used. These results indicate need to carry out future researches on properties of existing memory systems and those actually used in organizations.