Use or Abuse of Improvisation in Organizations?

This paper studies the uses and abuses of improvisation in craft breweries in B razil and G ermany. Using semi‐structured interviews, it shows theory‐based empirical evidence of improvisation and learning in organizations. Given the well‐known use of improvisation in the arts, the paper makes a parallel between the role of improvisation in organizations and in arts' activities in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of improvisation, although this study goes beyond the use of metaphors and carries out a direct analysis of improvisation in organizations. The empirical analysis was conducted with 24 managers, head brewers and employees from craft breweries in B razil and G ermany. Using a multiple case study approach, with interviews, direct observation and storytelling, this research shows evidence of improvisation in breweries. The analysis uncovers and evaluates the uses and abuses of improvisation in organizations.