ABSTRACT
Prior to Walsh and Ungson’s (1991) seminal work on organizational memory, the term organizational memory was occasionally referenced in the organizational studies literature but was not explored in depth. For example, Weick (1979) referenced organizational memory in relationship to organizational learning. Organizational memory was also noted in terms of corporate history, with Smith and Steadman (1981) highlighting the role of corporate history in an organization’s adaptation to change and the value of understanding the past, including corporate heritage and traditions, in relationship to present actions. Lawrence (1984) took a different perspective, emphasizing the value of a historical perspective in examining organizational studies phenomena.
