Experimental learning enhancing improvisation skills

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to present improvisation training and experimentation as an alternative method to deal with unexpected events in which structured processes do not seem to work. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature of sensemaking and improvisation, the study designs a framework and process model of experimental learning supported by a case study of Brazilian Government agents involved in an experimental process of learning fundamental for interacting with scenarios that require improvisation. Findings This study supports the proposition that improvisation capability can be improved through experimental learning to generate better decision-making in uncertainty. In the case study, the lessons and group experiences of the experimental learning course helped agents to build tools to deal with events that required improvisation. Research limitations/implications This study investigated only one case and recommends that the framework of experimental learning that this study developed be extended to other organizations. Originality/value This study provides a framework and a process model for analyzing complex situations and context that require improvisation and suggests another way for leaders to deal with uncertain scenarios.

Using Improvisation to Develop Leadership for a Volatile World

“…It is safe to say that the world has become even more VUCA over the past twenty-odd years (Gagnon, Vough, & Nickerson, 2012;Gerras, 2010) (Huffaker & West, 2005;Moshavi, 2001), develop presentation skills (Greenberg, 1995), improve case discussion (Aylesworth, 2008), or develop students' emotional intelligence (Shivarajan & Andrews, 2019). Several others have employed improvisational theater in organizational training and development (April, Beall, & Peters, 2015;Christopoulos, Wilner, & Bestetti, 2016;Gagnon, Vough, & Nickerson, 2012;Ratten, & Hodge, 2016;Tawadros, 2015). Whereas the early scholarship in organizational improvisation focused on jazz improvisation, the use of improvisational theater welcomes all participants-even those DOI: 10.12806/V19/I4/A2 OCTOBER 2020 APPLICATION 125 without musical skills-and allows participants to improve communication and team skills readily transferable in their daily lives (Aylesworth, 2008;Crossan, 1998;Fisher & Barrett, 2019;Vera & Crossan, 2005).…”

How R&D Staff’s Improvisation Capability Is Formed: A Perspective of Micro-Foundations

“…Improvisation practices can be applied into management domain as well, for example, improvisation training is found to improve new hires’ confidence, ability to adapt in successfully handling unique situations in the airline ( Daly et al, 2009 ). Similarly, improvisation capability can be improved through experimental learning to generate better decision-making in uncertainty for government officials in Brazil ( Christopoulos et al, 2016 ).…”

‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ Using Improvisation to Hone Library Employees’ Customer Service Skills

“…There exists more than one understanding of the term "improvisation." Improvisation can be defined as a method of marshalling existing resources to cope with unforeseen or unplanned events (Christopoulos et al, 2016). And, in fact, this is what many librarians do throughout the course of their day; meet user needs the best they can, as they can.…”

“…These librarians not only have to be cognizant of larger institutional pressures, but also have to relate to those they are leading. Library leaders need to be open to alternative ways of problem solving when working within such layers of complexity (Christopoulos et al, 2016). Leadership teams, or perhaps, leadership teams properly constituted, need to include individuals who exhibit empathy as a hallmark of their leadership ethos (Stager Jacques, 2013;Brooks, 2015).…”