Yoga Sutra-Based Memory Analysis of Information Systems Implementation

Abstract

Memory, the human capacity to retain past experiences, is an important construct in the behavioural analysis of information systems. However, current IS research only focuses on team memory in the context of organisational transactions and processes. An excessive focus on team memory has led to the overlooking of individual factors that enhance memory. It is important to theorise memory in IS because only through theorisation can both researchers and the researched become aware of memory-based biases. Additionally, the current theorisation of memory is largely based on a Western approach, whereas the bulk of the world’s population resides in the Eastern regions and conceptualises memory differently. This paper introduces the concept of memory as discussed in the Yoga philosophy. It introduces core yoga concepts related to memory and presents an analytical framework for yoga-based behavioural analysis of information systems implementation. The framework is then applied to an existing study on agricultural marketing information systems. The Yoga framework reveals that Samskara – the subliminal impressions - are related to the feelings of unpleasantness associated with stakeholder experiences. To explain the English equivalents of the Sanskrit terminologies used in the Yoga Sutra, I utilise the Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, published in 1872.