This article by Tim Keller explains the following characteristics of a movement. According to Keller it is:
- A vital, dynamic human organization
- Marked by an attractive, clear, unifying vision for the future
- Has a strong set of values or beliefs
- This unifying vision is so compelling that it takes pride of place.
- Generous flexibility
- The accomplishment of the vision is more important than power and position
- Innovativeness . . . Ideas flow out of the whole organization, top to bottom.
- Spontaneous generativity.
Keller then quotes David Hurst on how movements become institutions
- Vision becomes strategy
- Roles become tasks
- Teams become structure
- Networks become organizations,
- Recognition becomes compensation