Biology
Entrainment
The synchronization of an organism's biological rhythms to external environmental cues (zeitgebers), particularly the alignment of circadian rhythms to the day-night cycle.
Biological Context
Light is the primary entrainment signal for circadian rhythms. Without entrainment, internal clocks drift out of sync with the environment. Social cues, temperature, and feeding schedules can also entrain rhythms. Jet lag results from temporary loss of entrainment.
Business Application
Organizational entrainment: how companies synchronize with external rhythms—market cycles, seasonal demand, regulatory calendars. Cultural entrainment happens when organizations unconsciously align with industry norms. Strategic entrainment is deliberate synchronization with partner or customer rhythms.