Loss of Coherence: Without consensus on the theory's core principles, its application risks divergence, reducing its effectiveness and clarity.
Erosion of Credibility: If misunderstandings persist unchallenged, critics may view the theory as ill-defined or incoherent, undermining its intellectual reputation.
Stagnation: Misunderstandings can discourage productive debate, limiting opportunities for refinement and development.
Fragmentation: The community may fracture into subgroups with competing interpretations, further diluting the theory's influence.
For long-term success, communities need robust mechanisms for self-reflection, debate, and correction to ensure the theory evolves coherently and meaningfully.