Gersick

Gersick is a surname associated with contributions to organizational behavior, most notably through Connie Gersick and her punctuated equilibrium model of group development. Introduced in 1988, the model is described in the article Time and Transition in Work Teams, published in the Academy of Management Journal.

The punctuated equilibrium model posits that many groups with a finite deadline experience long periods of limited change, followed by a mid‑point transition and a rapid period of redesign and execution as the deadline approaches. This creates a pattern of inertia interrupted by a brief but intensive phase of activity, yielding what is termed punctuated equilibrium in group performance.

The model has been widely cited and applied in various settings, including business, education, and research, and it has influenced understanding of project management, team dynamics, and organizational change. It emphasizes the impact of time pressure, milestone reviews, and the deadline as a catalyst for convergence and realignment of goals and processes. Critics have noted limitations, citing that Gersick’s pattern may not fit all groups, particularly those with flexible timelines or ongoing, iterative tasks, and empirical support has shown variability across contexts.

Beyond the model, Gersick remains a surname used by multiple individuals across different fields. In scholarly literature, however, the term Gersick is most commonly encountered in reference to Connie Gersick’s work on the dynamics of group development.