Towards a model of improvisation: a review of the literature

This study has emerged from the need to apply certain criteria to applicants to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). One of the criteria was the ability to improvise. In order to define improvisation within the criteria the author has reviewed the literature on improvisation. It was noted that there has been little research in to use of improvisation in micro and small businesses and that a model of improvisation has not been developed. The aim of this paper is to present a model of improvisation based on the literature. The purpose of this model is to provide a framework around which future study into the use of improvisation, particularly by micro and small businesses, can be conducted. The paper firstly provides a summary of the definitions of improvisation from the literature. This is followed by a discussion of the components of improvisation drawn from the literature. These components are then presented in a proposed model of the process of improvisation