ANALYZING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEMORY RECALL AND ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTITY IN HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION TEAMS

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of memory recall and organizational identity with heritage documentation teams, who seek to protect cultural meaning and historical authenticity. Using organizational psychology and cognitive science as principles, the study seeks to understand how team members recall together, and how the accuracy of individual recall produces a collective identity while archiving, curating and interpreting heritage objects. Through qualitative interviews and recall activity tasks, the researchers explored how organizational narratives, values, and shared objectives are each individually internalized within groups. The results showed that strong organizational identity can lead to memory coherence and lessen distortion of information, contributing to stable long-term commitment to the preservation mandate and goals. On the other hand, identity fissures led to inconsistent recall events and a decline in intersubjective agreement within documentation practices. The study has implications for heritage organizations in particular, as it indicates the need to promote strong organizational identity to improve cognitive accuracy and team resilience to promote heritage work. The research included practical recommendations for heritage organizations to address and improve identity structuring, consequently supporting documentation integrity and knowledge transfer to future generations.