Improvisation in Action

Abstract

It has often been proposed, or assumed, that improvisation is a useful metaphor to provide insight into managing and organizing. However, improvisation is more than a metaphor. It is an orientation and a technique to enhance the strategic renewal of an organization. The bridge between theory and practice is made through exercises used to develop the capacity to improvise, borrowed from theatre improvisation. This paper describes a typical improvisation workshop in developing six key areas that link improvisation exercises to the practice of management: interpreting the environment; crafting strategy; cultivating leadership; fostering teamwork; developing individual skills; and assessing organizational culture.

Organizational Improvisation

“…Based on this statement, a synthesis between cyclical and linear time would have the present as its main stage, such as is the case in organizational improvisation (Ciborra, 1999). In fact, the major underlying elements of improvisation (inside and outside organizational settings) are the existence of a few rules and a basic plan of action--which folds the future into the present--and creativity, expertise, and bricolage (the reworking of pre-composed routines and resources to handle present challenges)--which folds the past into the present (Crossan, 1998;Hatch, 1997;Weick, 1999). Organizational improvisation is thus proposed as a meeting place between cyclical and linear perspectives of time.…”

Opinions: All about Creativity and Innovation

“…Although is a relatively new concept in managerial science, organizational improvisation has a long-standing and valued role in music and performing arts (Crossan 1998;Hatch 1998;Randall 1993;Vera and Crossan 2004;Weick 1993Weick , 1998. The word improvisation comes from the Latin and is a combination of proviso and the prefix im.…”

“…But within these confines the participants are encouraged and expected to create, experiment, and build on each other. At times they rely on standard patterns; at other times solos, duets and other combinations take off and discover new and unexpected directions (Crossan 1998;Hatch 1998). …”

Performing Leadership: Observations from the World of Music

“…Here, jazz performances are formalized around a given structure, such as a traditional song, and then extend informally into new, previously undiscovered and spontaneous melodic lines [55]. Improvisation in this context is seen to be an embodied practice that underpins organizational activities [56].…”