Change Management on C.CUI's Log

Adaptive Cycle: Instability Lurks in Stability, Vitality Springs from Decay

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +1000

This blog post explores the Adaptive Cycle, a model explaining why seemingly stable systems can suddenly collapse and how decay can lead to new vitality. Drawing on Huang Yanpei’s observation of historical cycles, it argues that systems at their peak efficiency often accumulate vulnerabilities, leading to ‘sudden’ demise. The article introduces Crawford Holling’s Adaptive Cycle (r, K, Ω, α), linking it to Buddhist concepts of ‘formation, abiding, decay, and emptiness,’ and highlights how both over-optimization and creative destruction shape a system’s evolution.

Path Creation: The Sole Viable Method for Overcoming Path Dependence

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +1000

This post analyzes ‘path dependence,’ a phenomenon where historical factors create entrenched, often irrational systems that are difficult to change due to reinforcing feedback loops. It proposes ‘path creation’ as the sole viable method for overcoming this, emphasizing the importance of establishing new systems and diverting resources to them before decommissioning the old. This approach, involving path creation, flow diversion, and gradual retirement, minimizes resistance by building new ‘vested interests’ for the change without directly dismantling existing structures.