Institutional rigidity refers to the inability or unwillingness of an institution to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, or demands — often due to entrenched structures, norms, or bureaucratic inertia.

🔍 Key Characteristics:
Resistance to change
– Even in the face of clear evidence or need
– "We've always done it this way"

[[Hierarchical control]]
– Decisions concentrated at the top
– Little room for bottom-up innovation

Bureaucratic overload
– Excessive procedures, paperwork, and approvals
– Prioritization of form over function

Conformity culture
– Dissent is punished or ignored
– Innovation is viewed as disruption

🧠 Implications:
Delayed reforms (e.g., outdated medical protocols or IT systems)

Frustration among staff, especially younger or more dynamic professionals

Loss of talent due to inflexibility or lack of voice

Reputational stagnation — inability to remain competitive or relevant

🏥 Example in a hospital:
An institutional culture that automatically dismisses junior input, refuses to update surgical planning systems, or delays implementing evidence-based protocols despite new data, is demonstrating institutional rigidity.