Why Organizations Resist Change: A Multilevel Model of Human, Systemic, and Causal Constraints
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Organizational change has long been understood as a problem of human resistance, often attributed to self-interest, misunderstanding, or low tolerance for uncertainty. Yet such explanations remain superficial, describing the symptoms of resistance rather than its sources. This paper argues that resistance to change is not merely psychological or cultural, but a manifestation of deeper constraints embedded in human cognition, organizational systems, and the structure of causality itself. Drawing on insights from cognitive neuroscience, systems theory, and complexity science, a multilevel framework is proposed to explain why change is inherently difficult to implement and sustain. At the human level, neurocognitive mechanisms such as loss aversion and synaptic strength bias individuals toward familiar routines. At the organizational level, systems principles such as homeostasis and free-energy minimization drive collective structures to preserve predictability and stability. At the causal level, the nonlinear dynamics of complex systems render cause-and-effect relationships opaque, making effective intervention uncertain. Together, these forces create a deep architecture of resistance that persists despite managerial effort or strategic intent. The paper concludes by discussing implications for theory and practice, suggesting that effective change requires designing interventions that align with, rather than oppose, these intrinsic constraints.
Source: Organizational Psychology Review
Author: Lorne M. Hartman
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
OpenAlex ID: W7204198399