Improvisation in Careers

Abstract

In the turbulence created by such phenomena as business restructuring and new flexible organisational forms, career improvisation grows in relative importance. Two studies are briefly reported. In the first, the common experience of “O.E.” (overseas experience) is shown to provide an example of career improvisation, giving the individual potential career advantages such as increased adaptability and versatility. The second, a study of “leased executives”, shows advantages of careers improvised around temporary projects and “employability”, rather than being planned around permanent jobs and “employment”. Kanter's (1989) concept of the “entrepreneurial career form” illustrates the change in career forms: individuals increasingly improvise career experiences to increase the “career capital” of their own learning. Implications are considered for individuals pursuing careers, for careers advisers, and for employers.