executives and allows room for the possible differential impact of various strategic
management processes.
Convergence happens as a result of middle managers and executives making their
best efforts to manage multiple interdependencies and environmental demands given a
particular strategic direction. As convergence continues it is assumed that organizations
become more competent at their actions, and therefore, if the activities are appropriate to
the environment, performance will improve over time. However, convergent periods also
establish rules and norms creating inertia that can constrict members’ behaviors and
worldviews, compromising an organization’s ability to accurately assess the
environment, determine whether a reorientation is needed, and carry out the change if
deemed necessary (Tushman & Romanelli, 1985). Hence, a paradox arises in that high
performance requires a certain degree of convergence (in addition to the right strategic
orientation) that could simultaneously negatively impact the organization’s long-term
survival by precluding reorientations when demanded by the environment.
Occasionally, pressures to reorient can overcome inertial pressures, especially
under two circumstances: 1) the convergence process has failed to create adequate
performance over a certain period of time, or 2) the organization’s current strategic
orientation is deemed ineffective due to large environmental changes (Tushman &
Romanelli, 1985). Since many environmental changes can be anticipated and/or adapted
to, performance pressures are seen as the key driver of reorientation, but it is incumbent
upon executive leadership to define and monitor their performance thresholds as well as
proactively anticipate changes, a key aspect of most formal strategy formation processes.