Toward a conceptual model of organizational regression.

This article presents an elaborated model of organizational regression suggesting that, within the framework of general systems and catastrophe theory, organizational units and whole enterprises can be viewed as struggling to attain a state of super-resilience that enables them to cope effectively with a large number of regressive forces. The model comprises 6 phases of organizational regression that occur either in a 10-stage process or in a chaotically unpredictable but behaviorally understandable and orderly sequence. Internal and external regressive forces that constantly pressure an organization toward less effective performance and more primitive behavior are identified. Organizational barriers and balancing forces that counter the regressive pressures are also described, along with the consequences of regression for individuals and enterprises. Several brief case illustrations (e.g., Montgomery Ward, Apple Computer, and General Electric Corporation) are provided to highlight aspects of this conceptual approach. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)