The Individualistic Concept of the Plant Association

Challenged Clements' climax theory by arguing plant communities are assemblages of individuals responding to environmental gradients, not unified organisms progressing toward predetermined endpoints. Gleason's individualistic concept opened the door to modern recognition of alternative stable states and contingency in succession.

For organizational succession, Gleason's insight is crucial: there is no single predetermined destination. Different strategic choices can lead organizations to different stable configurations, all of which may be viable. This undermines deterministic approaches to strategy and emphasizes the role of contingency and choice.