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Improvisation within management: oxymoron, paradox, or legitimate way of achieving?

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  • Stephen A. Leybourne

Abstract

This paper considers the evolving literature on Organisational Improvisation, considering a number of different perspectives relating to its use and acceptance within a typology of modern management styles. Cunha et al.'s (1999) work is identified as a starting point, and particular attention is given to the gradual integration of improvisational working styles into the lexicon of management theory. The nature of improvisation, and its contradictory stance when considered against the understood notions of managerial control, is examined. Attention is then directed at the use and acceptance of improvisational working practices in the domain of that contemporary flexible organisation. The evidence presented here supports the oxymoronic and paradoxical nature of organisational improvisation, and offers the view that it is a valid and useful addition to the lexicon of management skills in the turbulent and fast-changing environment that persists in the first decade of the 21st century.

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  • Stephen A. Leybourne, 2007. "Improvisation within management: oxymoron, paradox, or legitimate way of achieving?," International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(3), pages 224-239.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijmcph:v:2:y:2007:i:3:p:224-239
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    Cited by:

    1. Keygnaert, Ines & Guieu, Aurore & Ooms, Gorik & Vettenburg, Nicole & Temmerman, Marleen & Roelens, Kristien, 2014. "Sexual and reproductive health of migrants: Does the EU care?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(2), pages 215-225.
    2. Conti, Claudio Ramos & Goldszmidt, Rafael & Vasconcelos, Flávio Carvalho de, 2020. "Firm characteristics and capabilities that enable superior performance in recessions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 553-561.

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