Abstract: The current study aims to review and critique the literature on organizational memory. Organizational memory is a multifaceted composition of the knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and experiences of employees that creates unique, productive capabilities and a competitive advantage for an organization. Organizational memory moderates the risks associated with the loss of human capital and contributes to organizational performance. Organizational memories also enable organizations to recognize opportunities and respond to challenges in changing environments. Organizational memory loss, however, creates knowledge and skills gaps, which lead to negative organizational outcomes. For example, organizational memory loss in the U.S. federal workforce creates high-risk areas for national security. This practical dilemma of retaining or relearning previously acquired knowledge is the motivation to better understand organizational memory, particularly in the context of public sector organizations. This systematic literature review assessed more than 180 peer-reviewed articles with a direct contribution to organizational memory theory, research, and practice. Considering the critical role of organizational memory in individual and organization development and performance, the current study on organizational memory contributes to the field of HRD and provides practical implications to HRD professionals, particularly in the public organizational context.
