Antecedents of Improvisation in IT-Enabled Engineering Work

The success of engineering work depends on the ability of individuals to improvise in response to emerging challenges and opportunities (Kappel & Rubenstein, 1999). Building on experiential learning theory (Eisenhardt & Tabrizi 1995; Kolb, 1984) and improvisation theory (Miner, Bassoff, & Moorman, 2001), this authors argue that information systems facilitate the generation of new product and process design ideas by providing richer feedback, creating shorter learning cycles, and enabling engineers to try a variety of new ideas more easily. An empirical research model of the antecedents of improvisation in IT-enabled engineering work is proposed. This model is examined using a sample of 208 individuals engaged in computer-intensive engineering design work. The multiple regression results suggest that software capability, autonomy, problem solving/decision support usage, system use for work planning, and length of use explain the extent of new product and process ideas that are generated. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2059-9.ch013