Impact of Computer Usage on Organizational Memory and Learning from Failure: A Case Study of a Japanese Company

Few organizations are good at learning from failure, and failures are sometimes repeated. One reason could be the inadequate functioning of organizational memory. According to previous research, IT is often assumed to complement organizational memory. However, studies have also reported that information technology weakens memory; hence, no definite conclusion has been drawn. This study aimed to identify the impact of information technology on organizational memory in the context of organizational learning from failure. We focus on a Japanese company that has successfully implemented the use of information technology for organizational learning from failure. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a questionnaire survey, which revealed the following: (1) if the matter is of high interest in the organization, it is recorded, and knowledge storage and sharing media that employ information technology are used; (2) recording activity is strengthened using knowledge storage and sharing media that employ information technology; (3) even if the matter is of high interest in the organization, it is not always possible to strengthen individual memory, but it is possible to enhance individual memory with knowledge storage/sharing media that utilize information technology; (4) knowledge storage/sharing media that utilize information technology do not directly strengthen organizational memory; and (5) knowledge storage and sharing media using information technology strengthen records and personal memory, which ultimately strengthens organizational memory.