REPLY Dynamics of Institutional Form (SD6344)

[SDMAIL Bob Powell]

Posted by  Bob Powell <scuba at usa.net>

Your query reminded me of this short paper that you might find interesting:
"Organizational Evolution: Successive barriers to growth for which 
organizations must be prepared." (pdf, 254K). 
http://www.exponentialimprovement.com/cms/uploads/Flyer_OrgEvol4p.pdf

A causal loop model is based on a brilliant HBR classic by Larry E. 
Greiner, "Evolution and revolution as organizations grow," Harvard 
Business Review, May-June 1998 (orig. 1972).

In the case described, the "jolt in the institutional environment" 
isn't a jolt, but a gradual building of pressures due to changes in 
the organization itself as it grows. The organization must either cope 
successfully with those pressures to move to the next stage or regress 
or die.

A model like you describe could be created by specifying the nature of 
the jolt, its effect on the actors, what they do in response, etc.

__________

Bob Powell 
Posted by  Bob Powell <scuba at usa.net>
posting date  Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:26:51 -0600