Heterogeneity, Turnover, and the
Dynamics of Organizational Demography
by James A. Kitts
ABSTRACT
This
paper
applies
the
most basic model of formal demography to the dynamics of organizational
membership.
Mathematical models and computer simulations investigate the
organization-level
implications of first principles in the dynamics of members’
affiliation
choices. Building on the assumption that members are heterogeneous in
their propensities
to exit, consequences are formally derived for membership turnover,
growth in
membership, and accumulation of experience among members. Implications
and
extensions are discussed for organizational learning, senescence, and
obsolescence.