Stabilizing and destabilizing processes of change - Insights from brain and software development

01/01/2021 to 31/12/2023

Understanding stability and change is an important topic in a variety of scientific disciplines. However, while scholars oftentimes assume that phenomena are typically stable and focus on how they can be changed, many phenomena undergo a continuous process of change. This emphasizes mechanisms that stabilize or destabilize these processes of change. Hence, the aim of this research proposal is to better understand mechanisms that stabilize or destabilize processes of change. To achieve this aim, we draw on two pillars, each of which is situated in a different scientific discipline (i.e., life sciences and business administration). The first pillar explores the process of how the human brains develop. This change process is defined by the genetic blueprint, but environmental influences, such as certain medications, destabilize this process. The second pillar explores change in work routines. The proposed project will identify stabilizing mechanisms that lead to an exact replication of the work routines of an established team, but also mechanisms that destabilize the change process. Synthesizing these pillars, the proposed project identifies stabilizing and destabilizing mechanisms in processes of change that are generalizable across disciplines. The insights gained are valuable for a variety of different disciplines in terms of research and teaching, as well as management practice.