===== 🪨 Inertia =====

**Inertia** refers to the tendency of academic institutions, research cultures, or clinical systems to resist change and continue established practices — regardless of their current relevance, effectiveness, or evidence base.

It mirrors the physical concept: once a structure is in motion (or still), it stays that way unless acted upon by significant external force.

==== 🧱 Key Characteristics ====
  * **Persistence of outdated methods** despite new evidence.
  * **Reluctance to adopt innovation** unless mandated.
  * **Defensive routines** to preserve hierarchy or tradition.
  * **Institutional fatigue** disguised as stability.
  * **Bureaucratic friction** that slows or blocks reform.

==== 🧠 In Practice ====
> A department continues to use a surgical protocol from 1998 because “that’s how we’ve always done it,” despite newer, evidence-based alternatives — this is clinical inertia.

==== ⚠️ Consequences ====
  * Hinders scientific progress and quality improvement.
  * Protects mediocrity and discourages critical review.
  * Enables performative activity to replace substantive reform.
  * Demotivates innovative individuals who face systemic resistance.

==== 📎 Related Terms ====

  * [[academic_theater|Academic Theater]]
  * [[bureaucracy|Bureaucracy]]
  * [[gatekeeping|Gatekeeping]]
  * [[careerism|Careerism]]

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**Bottom line**: *Inertia is the silent enemy of improvement — not loud, but immovable.*