Abstract
In this paper, we analyze extant literature to assess the state of transactive memory theory research and report the preliminary findings of our research in progress. Based on prevalent transactive memory themes identified in the literature, we content analyze 52 articles at the individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis, and identify several future MIS research opportunities. Our findings show that themes such as knowledge directories, transferring the knowledge didactically, and pooling knowledge centrally, have received the majority of research focus. Future research may investigate how information systems can enhance human abilities in the transactive memory system to relieve cognitive strain and enhance individual memory capacity. Additional research could examine the effects of information technologies on the relationship between transactive memory and performance outcomes in large groups or organizations. Future investigation of these topics will serve to both extend transactive memory theory and operationalize the theory in MIS research settings.
Recommended Citation
Weigel, Fred K.; Ezell, Jeremy D.; and Hazen, Benjamin T., "Transactive Memory Theory: A Review of the Literature and Suggestions for Future MIS Research " (2012). SAIS 2012 Proceedings. 39.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/sais2012/39