Progress and pathology in managerial practice: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract

The progressive or pathological nature of routinization has been recognized by several scholars. This paper emphasizes the dual nature of routinization in managerial practice. The traps and potential are simultaneously present. The article briefly reviews the literature where routines have been recognized either as progress or pathology. It gives some examples of how routines change their nature over time. Finally, the article develops an argument that the interplay of progressive and pathological processes can be understood through the replicative model of evolution.

Keywords:

• routinization
• business management
• replicative model of evolution