JOURNAL ARTICLE

Get Off the Transformation Treadmill.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2026, v. 104, n. 1. P. 46 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Rigby, Darrell; First, Zach 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on how organizations can break free from cycles of chronic, traumatic transformations by continuously strengthening their business systems rather than relying on repeated large-scale restructurings. It highlights four key practices: mastering systems management to maintain strategic alignment; detecting emerging market and operational realities early to enable timely, low-cost adjustments; fostering organizational agility to address small problems before they escalate; and growing net value for all stakeholders instead of shifting costs among them. Case studies of companies like Boston Scientific, Pixar, and Microsoft illustrate how steady, integrated changes and a focus on stakeholder value can drive sustained growth, innovation, and resilience. The article emphasizes that organizations functioning like adaptive ecosystems are better positioned to avoid disruptive upheavals and build durable competitive advantages.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2026/01, Vol. 104, Issue 1, p46
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:189870412
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright © Harvard Business Publishing. All Rights Reserved. This content is intended for individual research use only, subject to the following: Unless permission is expressly granted in a separate license, this content may NOT be used for classroom or teaching use, which includes teaching materials, electronic reserves, course packs or persistent linking from syllabi. Please consult your institution's librarian about the nature of relevant licenses held by your institution and the restrictions that may or may not apply.Unless permission is expressly granted in a separate license, this content may NOT be used in corporate training and/or as corporate learning materials. For corporate users, please consult the specific terms of your company's license(s) for complete information and restrictions. For more information and teaching resources from Harvard Business Publishing including Harvard Business School Cases, eLearning products, and business simulations please visit hbsp.harvard.edu. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.