Punctuated Equilibrium theory is a theory in biology that basically states that the most sexually reproducing species is for most of the time in state of stasis, with little evolutionary change, and when evolution happens is rapid having as a results the split in two distinct species, process called cladogenesis.
In organizational behavior, the punctuated equilibrium model (Gersick, 1191) consists of analyzing the evolution in a team based on the timeline and evaluating the performance based on the level of involvement the team members have.
- Phase I – The members of the team act according to the specific schedule: meetings, working on tasks, etc. Although it takes almost half of the entire existence period of team, the progress is barely visible.
- Transition point – A sudden consolidation process starts. People manifest their commitment, become perceptive to outside influences that can influence the progress of project.
- Phase II – Action time! Things happen. Work is done and the way people work is fundamentally different from before.
In project management is useful to take in consideration this model. Because the communicator’s job is to feel that transition point! The problems do not solve themselves.
You need to obtain the acceptance from your team members about the need of change in the way things are done. You need them to focus on the same ideas and on to worry about how they will be looked upon from outside.
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