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From snapshot to continuity: A dynamic model of organizational adaptation to environmental changes

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  • Schmitt, Achim
  • Klarner, Patricia

Abstract

Organizational change research has frequently examined organizations’ short-term responses to external change. However, such a short-term, linear time perspective fails to explain how firms adapt to changes that manifest themselves repeatedly and over time, such as climate change. We therefore develop a dynamic model of organizational entrainment to environmental changes that emphasizes the importance of a cyclical time perspective for firms’ long-term adaptation. This paper responds to prior calls to adopt a time lens perspective to better understand organizational adaptation patterns. We provide an integrative framework on organizational entrainment and absorptive capacity that allows researchers to delineate “when” and “how fast” organizations adapt to external changes depending on their time perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Schmitt, Achim & Klarner, Patricia, 2015. "From snapshot to continuity: A dynamic model of organizational adaptation to environmental changes," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 3-13.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:31:y:2015:i:1:p:3-13
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2014.06.003
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    2. Åkesson, Maria & Sørensen, Carsten & Eriksson, Carina Ihlström, 2018. "Ambidexterity under digitalization: A tale of two decades of new media at a Swedish newspaper," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 276-288.
    3. Kazeminia, Ali, 2021. "Unfolding the airbus’ strategic growth: A successful case," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1).
    4. Riikka Kangas & Timo Aarrevaara, 2020. "Higher Education Institutions as Knowledge Brokers in Smart Specialisation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-15, April.

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