ABSTRACT
Transactive memory (TM) theory provides a useful framework for understanding how organizational members manage their knowledge. As knowledge is one of the most important assets an organization has, understanding how it manages that asset is crucial. The framework provided by TM theory includes mechanisms regarding how knowledge enters the team, what, if anything, is done with that information, and how members get the required knowledge they need, when they need it. Although TM theory was originally conceived as a model for understanding knowledge sharing between intimate partners, the usefulness of the theory for other contexts quickly became apparent, particularly for organizational work teams. Previously, working within a strict hierarchical organization lessened the need to develop a TM system because employees could rely on the hierarchy for locating necessary knowledge (or responsible individuals). On the other hand, much work accomplished in organizations today is done by emergent work teams rather than hierarchies. Emergent teams rely heavily on each other’s knowledge to complete their work. Thus, TM theory provides an excellent framework for understanding how newly formed or existing teams manage their knowledge base. TM theory describes how two or more individual memories can operate as a system with one larger memory. It describes how people in interdependent relationships (e.g., work teams) gain, store, and utilize their collective knowledge. That is, a TM system is made up of two or more memories, and the communication between the people to access knowledge as needed.
