Rigidity of social systems

The tendency for the members of a corporation or government to be resistant to change is explored in a model that encompasses two endemic features of such systems. First, the social system is modeled as a hierarchy, and impli cit within it is a selection process that determines who advances to higher levels. Second, an agent's behavior is partially determined by imitating t hose who have risen in the ranks. A behavioral norm of being rigid is found to be more prevalent and robust than one of being flexible. A more volatil e environment may also induce agents to be more resistant to change.