A Theoretical Framework Linking Creativity, Empowerment, and Organizational Memory

Empowerment, creativity, and organizational memory are constructs that have been researched in MS. While each construct has received individual attention, we have found relatively little research linking them. Hence, we developed a theoretical model to illuminate the relationships between organizational memory, worker empowerment, and creativi@ The model was developed based on the literature in each respective area and interview-based studies concerning “empowered” systems development project teams and organizational memory. Analysis of the interview data revealed that empowered workers generate creative solutions to problems. However, creative solutions can on!v be usedfor future projects tf they are somehow recorded into organizational memory. Organizations that empowered their workforce and embraced creativiq reported increased P customer satisfaction, waste reduction, and some qua&v gains. In contrast, those that did not empower reported little or no change.