In today’s dynamic and complex business environment, understanding the dynamics within tightly coupled interdependent routines is of paramount importance for organizations striving to achieve agility. In our article, published in the Journal of Management Studies, we examine how the performance of single routines influences the dynamics within a cluster of interdependent routines. By exploring these dynamics, the study uncovers valuable insights that can enable organizations to achieve agility through their routines and improve overall flexibility.

Beyond stability: Routine Dynamics

Our study draws on the routine dynamics perspective. The routine dynamics perspective offers an alternative view of routines, presenting them as more than just stable and predictable patterns of behaviour. Instead, routines can be a source of change and variety, challenging the notion of inertia. Routines are seen as patterns of interdependent actions, shaped by both effortful and emergent accomplishments. By studying the dynamics of routines, researchers have identified two essential processes: patterning and performing. Patterning refers to the abstract patterns and relationships between actions, while performing refers to the concrete actions performed within a routine. These processes interact to produce the stability or flexibility of a routine.

Interdependent routines must be coordinated

Interdependence is central to the dynamics of routines. Within a single routine, interdependence arises from the relationships between actions and the constraining or enabling context they create. Similarly, interdependencies between multiple routines can arise when one routine affects the context or performance of another routine. Coordination is crucial for maintaining stable patterns of action within and across routines. In single routines, coordination relies on shared understandings, expectations, stable contexts, and the use of artefacts. In multiple interdependent routines, coordination becomes more complex, involving boundary management, trigger signals, meta-routines, and the enactment of roles.

How we uncovered patterns of coordinated and uncoordinated interdependence

Our study takes an ethnographic approach. We conducted an in-depth analysis of an in-house consultancy that uses the agile Scrum methodology for its project work. This setting provides a rich context for observing the interdependencies and coordination of multiple routines within a tightly coupled cluster. Through extensive fieldwork and observation, we identified patterns of coordinated and uncoordinated interdependencies, shedding light on the underlying dynamics at play.

Enabling agility through insights into flexibility and coordination

Our study reveals three patterns of coordinated interdependence: chaining, orchestrating and reflecting. Chaining occurs when the outputs of one routine influence the patterns of another routine. Orchestrating occurs when routines share resources, enabling seamless flows and coordination. Reflecting aligns patterns between routines towards a common goal in a shared context. These patterns contribute to stable coordination and promote flexibility within the cluster.

Conversely, our study also reveals three patterns of uncoordinated interdependence: stumbling, irritating and detaining. Stumbling occurs when routines fail to guide each other’s patterns, leading to breakdowns in coordination. Irritating occurs when routines do not rely on the same resources, hindering effective collaboration. Detaining occurs when routines are not directed towards a common goal. These patterns inhibit flexibility and limit the cluster’s ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Implications and Practical takeaways

Our study examines the dynamics within tightly coupled clusters of interdependent routines, shedding light on the complex relationship between effortful and emergent performances and their impact on flexibility and coordination. The results emphasize the significance of effortful performances of single routines in promoting flexibility within tightly coupled clusters. When routines follow prescribed paths and interfaces, they create a predictable context for coordination, enabling stability and responsiveness. By embracing effortful performances and understanding the patterns of coordinated and uncoordinated interdependence, organizations can utilize these insights to strike a balance between stability and adaptation, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.

Our findings hold great value to organizational leaders, managers and practitioners involved in complex project work or managing interdependent routines within tightly coupled clusters. These findings offer practical insights and actionable recommendations for promoting flexibility and coordination. By delving into the full paper, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between effortful and emergent performances, empowering them to reconsider their approaches and strategies for achieving optimal performance in interdependent work environments.