On serendipity and organizing

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

112 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Serendipity means the accidental discovery of something valuable. While it is sometimes presented as an element of organizational learning, it has rarely been addressed per se by organizational scholars. We discuss and elaborate the processes associated with serendipity in the organizational context. At its core, serendipity is a process of metaphorical association - seeing something in another thing. New ways of seeing may provide the necessary ingredients for creativity and exploratory learning, which will counter organizational tendencies towards inertia and the ossification of dominant mindsets and practices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)319-330
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Management Journal
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2010

Keywords

  • Creativity
  • Learning
  • Serendipity
  • Unsought discovery

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