The document discusses models of organizational life cycles and transformations through various stages of birth, growth, decline, and death. It describes: 1) The typical four stages of the organizational life cycle according to most models: birth, growth, decline, and death. Challenges organizations face in surviving the birth stage and problems that can arise during growth are also outlined. 2) Factors that can contribute to organizational decline like organizational inertia, risk aversion, and changing environments. A five stage model of decline is presented: blinded, inaction, faulty action, crisis, and dissolution. 3) Different theories for how organizations transform through the birth, growth, and decline stages. This includes a population ecology model