Tales of the unexpected: Discussing improvisational learning. Issue 5 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Neves, Pedro; Clegg, Stewart R; Rego, Arménio
• Is Part Of: Management learning. Volume 46:Issue 5(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 529
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Improvisation -- improvisational forms -- improvisational learning -- learning -- organization -- politics -- unexpected; Industrial management -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Executives -- Training of -- Periodicals; Organizational learning -- Periodicals; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; 302.35
• DOI: 10.1177/1350507614549121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-7307

Abstract

Improvisation has been treated largely as if it were a conceptual monolith: all improvisations are similar. We challenge this theorizing by distinguishing forms of improvisation in organizations (semi-structured, episodic, subversive, resistive) and by exploring ways in which these forms interrelate in improvisational sequences. Improvisation is not just something individuals do; it is a learned capacity that organizations can manage. We introduce the dimension of improvisational formality and informality, adding a political dimension to the study of the topic. By combining forms in process sequences, we organize the existing literature under a systematic perspective facilitating theory development via an integrative understanding of how improvisation produces learning.