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Routines Resistance: How Conflicts within Transactive Memory Obstruct Routinization

Author

Listed:
  • Peter T. Bryant

    (IE Business School)

  • Nathalie Lazaric

    (GREDEG CNRS
    University of Nice Sophia Antipolis)

  • Moustapha Niang

    (University of Nice Sophia Antipolis
    GREDEG CNRS)

Abstract

Routines resistance is observed among groups of experts that experienced a significant redefinition of their tasks and organizational goals within in a large French government agency. To expose the origins of such resistance, we investigate the processes by which transactive autobiographical memory supported organizational identification as an organization of technical experts, and how this memory structure led to the failed memorization of new action patterns which contradicted the pre-existing expert identity. We find that transactive autobiographical memory is deeply related to a complex process of identification, via the association of different contexts of identity, narrative and temporality, reflecting the levels and functions of autobiographical memory. More specifically, problems arose when managerial directives for new coordination actions conflicted with the pre-existing embedded sense of expert identity, related goals and relationships, leading to dis-identification among employees. The result was failed memorization and routine resistance, driven by conflicts with pre-existing transactive autobiographical memory. We propose a model of the micro-foundations of routines which explains these effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter T. Bryant & Nathalie Lazaric & Moustapha Niang, 2013. "Routines Resistance: How Conflicts within Transactive Memory Obstruct Routinization," GREDEG Working Papers 2013-43, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur, France.
    • Handle: RePEc:gre:wpaper:2013-43
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Routine; Transactive memory; Identity; Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Goals;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B32 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Obituaries
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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