The Boiled Frog Phenomenon

The Boiled Frog Phenomenon

When a frog is placed in boiling water, the reaction of the frog is to jump out of the water in order to survive, but if that same frog is placed in cool water, the frog finds it refreshing and begins to relax. The frog becomes complacent in the state he is in. If the heat is gradually turned up on the cool water, the frog does not grasp that the water is slowly heating up and does not react to the change in the temperature even though the change may be uncomfortable. The hot water takes over the pot and the frog and the frog ends up dying because he is too satisfied with his state of contentment and does not react in time to get out of the water and save his life. (Bolchover, 2005).

In the business world, the boiled frog phenomenon refers to businesses that do not respond to the changes that affect their organizations. The organization has become complacent and does not identify with the gradual changes (internal and/or external) that are taking place; and if the changes are noticed by the organization, the reaction is often either too late or too little to make a difference in the survival of the business. (Gomez, 2012)

All organizations need an action plan also known as a strategic management plan. Strategic management encompasses formulating and implementing strategic business plans. The strategic plan is a road map that lays out a sense of direction that the business will follow in order to accomplish the goals and objectives set by the organization. Once formulated, the plan must be implemented and executed in order to attain established goals. If the plan is not properly implemented, the “boiled frog” experience can take effect and lead to the demise of a business. (Gomez, 2012)

Advances in technology and consumer demand are some major contributors to businesses succumbing to the boiled frog effect. Myspace is a prime example of a once robust business that is now defunct because management did not pay attention...