utrzymywautrzyma

utrzymywautrzyma is a coined term used in this article to describe a balancing principle in organizational and social systems that aims to simultaneously maintain stability and enable adaptation. It is a theoretical construct rather than a universally established concept, used here to explore how institutions might integrate continuity with change without privileging one aspect over the other.

Etymology and origin: The term combines Polish verbs utrzymywać (to maintain, support) and utrzymać (to keep, hold). It was introduced in theoretical discussions in 2020 by fictional researchers A. Kowalska and J. Nowak as a label for a dual-tracked governance approach.

Concept and mechanisms: Core ideas include preserving core functions and identities while allowing selective experimentation. Mechanisms include redundancy in critical capabilities, phased funding, distributed leadership, and continuous feedback loops that adjust policies without abrupt reversals.

Applications: In corporate governance, utrzymywautrzyma might mean maintaining long-term employee commitments and brand integrity while adopting agile development. In urban planning, it implies preserving historic districts while permitting incremental modernization and mixed-use development.

Criticisms: The approach can be complex to implement, may slow decision-making, and risks masking trade-offs behind a veneer of balance.

See also: stability-plasticity dilemma; organizational resilience; governance.