During which stage might an organization experience rapid turnover and changes in senior management?

The elaboration phase is characterized by a focus on refining strategies and processes after initial growth and success. During this stage, organizations often encounter increasing complexity as they expand, which can lead to a period of instability. This instability may manifest as rapid turnover and changes in senior management.

As organizations seek to adapt to new challenges and refine their operational structures, some leaders may not align with the evolving organizational direction or may struggle with the new demands of the role, resulting in a shift in leadership. This phase is critical for establishing more formal structures and processes, but the transitions required can lead to disruption and the need for new leadership that aligns better with the organization's refined goals and strategies.

In contrast, other stages typically have more defined characteristics that do not emphasize the same level of volatility in management turnover. The entrepreneurial stage may involve growth and innovation but is generally more about the establishment of the business model rather than changes in management. The formalization stage focuses on stability and established procedures, while the collective stage emphasizes teamwork and alignment, which tend to lead to less dramatic shifts in leadership.