The theory of complex responsive processes and its implications for those working within organizations has become the focus of increasing interest in recent years. This is in good part due to the success of the editors' previous groundbreaking theory, "Complexity and" "Emergence in Organizations." In this innovative new series, the editors have focussed on what these ideas mean for practitioners tackling real organizational issues, and how they can be used to make sense of the changes and challenges which organizations must face. This book introduces and explores the possible meanings of the idea of "working live." It makes sense of the sense-making experience itself, drawing attention to the way ideas and concepts emerge "live" in all conversations in organizations. An appreciation of the open-ended, improvisational nature of ongoing human communication becomes key to such an understanding. The chapters, all written by experienced managers and consultants, explore: - How various forms of improvisation in social interaction can inform ways of appreciating how those links are forged - How these insights can illuminate the challenges of managing, developing and changing organizational practices In "Experiencing Risk, Spontaneity and Improvisation in Organizational Life," Shaw and Stacey explore, through the real-life experiences of practicing managers, some of the emerging themes and practical insights that can be drawn from an improvisational view of organizational life. With contributions from managers in both the private and public sectors, the book explores human communication skills and interactions to provide a unique exploration of "working live." It will be ofinterest to advanced students and practitioners.