Understanding an Electronic Medical Records System Implementation through the Punctuated Equilibrium Lens

Abstract

For many years, organisational literature has focused on answering the numerous questions surrounding organisational change. This case study will apply Gersick's (1991) adaptation of punctuated equilibrium for understanding the change process within the context of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system implementation. The punctuated equilibrium model depicts system changes as alternating equilibrium periods, only allowing for incremental change; and revolution periods, whereby the structure is changed fundamentally. By examining these stages of the punctuated equilibrium model, the hope is to further the understanding of how to manage a change process by highlighting one organisation's successful implementation of an EMR system.