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Towards a Theory of Organizational Improvisation: Looking Beyond the Jazz Metaphor

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  • Ken Kamoche
  • Miguel Pina e Cunha
  • João Vieira da Cunha

Abstract

abstract This paper calls for research on organizational improvisation to go beyond the currently dominant jazz metaphor in theory development. We recognize the important contribution that jazz improvisation has made and will no doubt continue to make in understanding the nature and complexity of organizational improvisation. This article therefore presents some key lessons from the jazz metaphor and then proceeds to identify the possible dangers of building scientific inquiry upon a single metaphor. We then present three alternative models – Indian music, music therapy and role theory. We explore their nature and seek to identify ways in which the insights they generate complement those from jazz. This leads us to a better understanding of the challenges of building a theory of organizational improvisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ken Kamoche & Miguel Pina e Cunha & João Vieira da Cunha, 2003. "Towards a Theory of Organizational Improvisation: Looking Beyond the Jazz Metaphor," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(8), pages 2023-2051, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:40:y:2003:i:8:p:2023-2051
    DOI: 10.1046/j.1467-6486.2003.00410.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Mukherjee, Debmalya & Kumar, Satish & Mukherjee, Deepraj & Goyal, Kirti, 2022. "Mapping five decades of international business and management research on India: A bibliometric analysis and future directions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 864-891.
    2. Liu, Yang & Lv, Diwei & Ying, Ying & Arndt, Felix & Wei, Jiang, 2018. "Improvisation for innovation: The contingent role of resource and structural factors in explaining innovation capability," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 74, pages 32-41.
    3. Hmieleski, Keith M. & Corbett, Andrew C., 2008. "The contrasting interaction effects of improvisational behavior with entrepreneurial self-efficacy on new venture performance and entrepreneur work satisfaction," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 482-496, July.
    4. Wilson, Sharon & Chambers, Donna & Johnson, James, 2019. "VW campervan tourists' embodied sonic experiences," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 14-23.
    5. Magni, Massimo & Proserpio, Luigi & Hoegl, Martin & Provera, Bernardino, 2009. "The role of team behavioral integration and cohesion in shaping individual improvisation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 1044-1053, July.
    6. Diasio, Steve, 2016. "Not all that jazz! Jamband as a metaphor for organizing new models of innovation," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 125-134.
    7. Hodgkinson, Ian R. & Hughes, Paul & Arshad, Darwina, 2016. "Strategy development: Driving improvisation in Malaysia," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(3), pages 379-390.
    8. Magni, Massimo & Palmi, Pamela & Salvemini, Severino, 2018. "Under pressure! Team innovative climate and individual attitudes in shaping individual improvisation," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 474-484.

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