Improvisation in Turbulent Environments: An Exploratory Case Study of a Rescue Projects Organization

Muhammad Saleem Sumbal; Awais Ahmed; Adeel Tariq; Muhammad Mustafa Raziq; Beenish Tariq

doi:10.1177/87569728241267736

Improvisation in Turbulent Environments: An Exploratory Case Study of a Rescue Projects Organization

Muhammad Saleem Sumbal (Corresponding Author), Awais Ahmed, Adeel Tariq, Muhammad Mustafa Raziq, Beenish Tariq

Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review

Abstract

This study explores the antecedents of knowledge utilization, specifically tacit knowledge, leading to improvisation in rescue projects confronted with turbulent situations. We used semistructured interviews and observations to collect data in a large public-sector rescue organization. Findings reveal that improvisation is an essential part of projects in turbulent situations bounded by time limitations; resource constraint factors, such as lack of technology, information, resources, and rugged terrains; and collectivistic societal and cultural issues. Rescue workers improvise through sensemaking, problem identification, and tacit knowledge utilization to handle emergencies.

Original language	English
Number of pages	17
Journal	Project Management Journal
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728241267736
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 8 Aug 2024

Keywords

developing countries
improvisation
rescue projects
tacit knowledge
turbulent environment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Business and International Management
Strategy and Management
Management of Technology and Innovation

More information

10.1177/87569728241267736

http://hdl.handle.net/10397/111657

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abstract = "This study explores the antecedents of knowledge utilization, specifically tacit knowledge, leading to improvisation in rescue projects confronted with turbulent situations. We used semistructured interviews and observations to collect data in a large public-sector rescue organization. Findings reveal that improvisation is an essential part of projects in turbulent situations bounded by time limitations; resource constraint factors, such as lack of technology, information, resources, and rugged terrains; and collectivistic societal and cultural issues. Rescue workers improvise through sensemaking, problem identification, and tacit knowledge utilization to handle emergencies.",

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AU - Tariq, Beenish

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Improvisation in Turbulent Environments: An Exploratory Case Study of a Rescue Projects Organization

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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