Curriculum Change in Context—I: Historical Evolution of Columbia Business School

Abstract

As discussed in Chapter 3, Tushman and Romanelli’s (1985) punctuated equilibrium model of organizational evolution is characterized by three defining constructs: processes of convergence—long-term periods of equilibrium in which incremental change mechanisms operate to support the organization’s overall strategic orientation; periods of reorientation—shorter periods of intense activity when patterns of consistency are reordered; and executive leadership—the key intervention mechanism for concluding a period of convergence with one of reorientation. After each reorientation, an equilibrium convergent period ensues until the conditions emerge for another reorientation.