Path dependence is a process, not a synonym for inertia or rigid routines

Evidence

Path dependence, however, is supposed to mean more than the mere existence of timeworn routines, cognitive rigidities, or structural inertia. It is, first of all, a process. Its distinguishing features need elaboration. — Jörg Sydow, Georg Schreyögg, and Jochen Koch, Organizational Path Dependence, 10

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes process-based path dependence from static labels like inertia and cognitive rigidity—useful whenever the term is used loosely.