A theoretical framework linking creativity, empowerment, and organizational memory

Empowerment, creativity, and organizational memory are constructs that have been researched in MIS. 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 creativity. 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 only be used for future projects if they are somehow recorded into organizational memory. Organizations that empowered their workforce and embraced creativity reported increased customer satisfaction, waste reduction, and some quality gains. In contrast, those that did not empower reported little or no change