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Free musical improvisation as an alternative model for organization

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  • Stéphane Robin

    (PRISM Sorbonne - Pôle de recherche interdisciplinaire en sciences du management - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)

Abstract

We explore the potential of free musical improvisation as an organizational model. We identify four constituent parts to this model: (i) it involves improvisation at its highest degree, (ii) it allows for the emergence of ex post structures and organizational forms, (iii) it proposes to engage with others through self-discovery and (iv) it relies intensively on bricolage. It is also inherently protean, which makes it fit various types of organizational improvisation. It can thus be episodic, subversive, resistive and it may even appear in a semi-structured context. Empirically, its locus lies in organizations where creativity is the prime directive. We highlight two limits of the model: First, it cannot apply to organizations where safety is a major concern. Second, it may come at the cost of increased job insecurity, which restricts its acceptability to specific segments of a society.

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Robin, 2023. "Free musical improvisation as an alternative model for organization," Working Papers hal-04080990, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-04080990
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://paris1.hal.science/hal-04080990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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