When past and present collide: The consequences of conflict between imprinted memory and contemporary experience

Studies demonstrate that the founding conditions of organizations are imprinted, for example, as features of organizational structure, culture, relational networks, and within organizational routines. Yet much remains unknown about the psychological mechanisms of initial imprinting and subsequent transmission. In this study, we investigate the role of collective memorization in the imprinting process, and in particular the role of transactive autobiographical memory. Through a case study of a large organization, we show that the organization developed a transactive autobiographical memory system focusing on life as a technical expert. This collective memory became imprinted, having deep implications for collective identity, cultural values, relational bonds, shared goals and motivations. We then illuminate the problems that arise when imprinted memory systems come into conflict with more dynamic organizational demands. We thus propose an explanation for how and why imprinted effects can reduce an organization's capacity to learn and adapt.