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Cited by 1,014Management and Organizational StudiesManagement Theory and PracticeAppreciative Inquiry and Organizational Change

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Introductory Essay—Improvisation as a Mindset for Organizational Analysis

Weick, Karl E.·1998·Organization Science
DOI 10.1287/orsc.9.5.543
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Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to improve the way we talk about organizational improvisation, using the vehicle of jazz improvisation as the source of orienting ideas. I start with two brief descriptions of the complexity involved when musicians compose in the moment. Then I review several definitions intended to capture holistically what is happening when people improvise. Next, I take a closer look at selected details in improvisation, namely, degrees of improvisation, forms for improvisation, and cognition in improvisation. These understandings are then generalized from jazz to other settings such as conversation, therapy, and relationships of command. I conclude with implications for theory and practice.

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Crossref · 10.1287/orsc.9.5.543

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  • The degree of divergence from the score in performing organizational routines may vary considerably, from minor adjustments to near total re-invention.

    “As with musical improvisation, the degree of divergence from the score may vary considerably, from minor adjustments to cadence and dynamics to near total re-invention (Weick, 1998).”

    From Reconceptualizing Organizational Routines as a Source of Flexibility and Change (2003) · cites this paper as Weick, 1998

Citations

Cites

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Metadata

Authors
Weick, K. E.
Affiliations
University of Michigan (US)
Corresponding author
Weick, Karl E.
Venue
Organization Science
Publisher
Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
Published
1998-10
Volume
9
Issue
5
Pages
543-555
ISSN
  • 1047-7039 (ISSN-L)
  • 1526-5455
DOI
10.1287/orsc.9.5.543
OpenAlex
W2045132332
Cited by
1,014
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 37 · 2024: 33 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 54 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 45 · 2018: 53 · 2017: 51 · 2016: 40 · 2015: 47 · 2014: 59 · 2013: 39 · 2012: 48
FWCI
22.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Organization Science (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management and Organizational Studies
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management Theory and Practice
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Appreciative Inquiry and Organizational Change
Keywords
organizational improvisation, jazz improvisation, organizational complexity, conversation, treatment, command relationships, organizational analysis

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