Applicability of a knowledge management model that considers organizational memory in Spanish organizations

Purpose Despite the interrelationship between knowledge management and organizational memory, there is a gap in the literature of knowledge management implementation models that consider the characteristics of organizational memory. In view of this situation, a knowledge management implementation model focused on the characteristics of organizational memory has been developed, and the purpose of this paper is to analyze the applicability of this model in Spanish organizations. Design/methodology/approach In addition to a literature review on the main concepts involved, interviews were conducted with managers of Spanish organizations. The research is of a qualitative nature, characterized as descriptive and exploratory, whose universe of research is the companies of the meat sector in Salamanca, Spain. The qualitative technique of content analysis was used as the research methodology. Findings After the interviews, it is concluded that the proposed model is a valid and necessary instrument for the implementation of knowledge management focused on organizational memory. Originality/value The originality of this study is due to the demonstration of the applicability of a knowledge management model that considers, in a direct way, the characteristics of the organizational memory, indispensable for the adequate application of knowledge management in organizations.