Week 44: Greiner Evolution and Revolution Flashcards
What is the central thesis of Larry Greiner’s paper?
Organizations grow in stages, alternating between periods of steady growth (evolution) and periods of upheaval (revolution).
What are the two types of growth phases in Greiner’s model?
Evolution and revolution.
What is the third phase of growth in Greiner’s model and what crisis does it lead to?
The Delegation Phase, which leads to a Control Crisis.
What does ‘evolution’ refer to in Greiner’s model?
Periods of steady, incremental growth in an organization.
What does ‘revolution’ refer to in Greiner’s model?
Periods of significant organizational upheaval and change.
What is the first phase of growth in Greiner’s model and what crisis does it lead to?
Creativity phase:
Why do revolutions occur in organizations, according to Greiner?
Revolutions occur when the current practices of the organization become barriers to further growth.
What is the second phase of growth in Greiner’s model and what crisis does it lead to?
The Direction Phase, which leads to an Autonomy Crisis.
What is the fourth phase of growth in Greiner’s model and what crisis does it lead to?
The Coordination Phase, which leads to a Red Tape Crisis.
What is the fifth phase of growth in Greiner’s model and what crisis does it lead to?
The Collaboration Phase, which leads to an Internal Growth Crisis.
What are the key forces of organizational development?
- The age of the organization
- The size of the organization
- Stages of evolution
- Stages of revolution (occurs where fundamental changes are needed to overcome a crisis)
- Growth rate of the industry
How does the growth rate of the industry impact organizational development?
Fast-growing industries may experience shorter evolutionary periods and more frequent revolutions.
What external factor can influence an organization’s growth and adaptation?
External market forces, such as competition, technological advancements, and customer demands.
