Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry
研究制药厂操作惯例随时间的衰退现象，发现FDA检查能阻止衰退，而并购对惯例的影响因类型而异：合并加剧衰退，收购则起到更新作用。
In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical setting is the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, and we focus on operational routines used to maintain product quality. Based on an analysis of longitudinal data from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections, we find that the tendency of operational routines to decay is widespread. Our results also illustrate that FDA inspections act as external renewals that halt decay in adherence to routines. In addition, manufacturing plants are found to vary significantly in their level of decay. Using data on mergers and acquisitions affecting these plants, we find that mergers appear to cause decay in adherence to routines. However, acquisitions appear to serve as renewals and halt such decay. Based on our overall findings, we present theoretical implications for research in organizational routines and practical insights for companies and regulatory authorities.