CHARACTERISTIC LEVEL OF CHANGE: AN INHERENT CONSTRAINT TO ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION

This paper proposes that organizations have a characteristic level of change describing the amount and tempo of change an organization typically exhibits. The level of change is held in place by a combination of individual, leadership, and organizational factors. It becomes part of the organizational context and is difficult to modify. The paper explores some key determinants and consequences of a characteristic level of change, including the limitations it creates for taking strategic action.