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Improvisation in the Learning Organization: A Defense of the Infra-Ordinary

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Title: Improvisation in the Learning Organization: A Defense of the Infra-Ordinary
Language: English
Authors: Cunha, Miguel Pina e, Clegg, Stewart
Source: Learning Organization. 2019 26(3):238-251.
Availability: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2019
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Creative Activities, Organizations (Groups), Logical Thinking, Philosophy, Learning, Problem Solving, Organizational Culture
DOI: 10.1108/TLO-07-2018-0126
ISSN: 0969-6474
Abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to describe the hidden presence of improvisation in organizations. The authors explore this presence through George Perec's notion of the infra-ordinary applied to the study of the learning organization and its paradoxes. Design/methodology/approach: Most studies of paradox and improvisation are qualitative and inductive. In this conceptual paper, the authors offer a conceptual debate aiming to redirect conceptual attention on studies belonging to the domains of learning, improvisation and paradox. Findings: The authors defend the thesis that improvisation is an example of a paradoxical practice that belongs to the domain of infra-ordinary rather than, as has been habitually assumed in extant research, the extraordinary. Research limitations/implications: The study draws research attention to the potential of the infra-ordinary in the domains of paradox, improvisation and learning. Practical implications: For practice, the study shows that improvisation can be a relatively trivial organizational practice as people try to solve problems in their everyday lives. Social implications: Most organizations depend upon the capacity of their members to solve problems as these emerge. Yet, organization theory has failed to consider this dimension. As a result, organizations may be unintentionally harming their capacity to learn and adapt to environments by assuming that improvisation is extra-ordinary. Originality/value: The study of paradox and improvisation from an infra-ordinary perspective has not been explicitly attempted.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2019
Accession Number: EJ1218843
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Improvisation in the Learning Organization: A Defense of the Infra-Ordinary
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Learning+Organization%22"><i>Learning Organization</i></searchLink>. 2019 26(3):238-251.
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  Data: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
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  Data: Purpose: This paper aims to describe the hidden presence of improvisation in organizations. The authors explore this presence through George Perec's notion of the infra-ordinary applied to the study of the learning organization and its paradoxes. Design/methodology/approach: Most studies of paradox and improvisation are qualitative and inductive. In this conceptual paper, the authors offer a conceptual debate aiming to redirect conceptual attention on studies belonging to the domains of learning, improvisation and paradox. Findings: The authors defend the thesis that improvisation is an example of a paradoxical practice that belongs to the domain of infra-ordinary rather than, as has been habitually assumed in extant research, the extraordinary. Research limitations/implications: The study draws research attention to the potential of the infra-ordinary in the domains of paradox, improvisation and learning. Practical implications: For practice, the study shows that improvisation can be a relatively trivial organizational practice as people try to solve problems in their everyday lives. Social implications: Most organizations depend upon the capacity of their members to solve problems as these emerge. Yet, organization theory has failed to consider this dimension. As a result, organizations may be unintentionally harming their capacity to learn and adapt to environments by assuming that improvisation is extra-ordinary. Originality/value: The study of paradox and improvisation from an infra-ordinary perspective has not been explicitly attempted.
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