The relationship between organizational improvisation and economic performance by moderating effects of regional economic level, market environment and cultural background: a meta-analysis

In complex and turbulent environments, improvisation is critical for organizations to respond to unexpected contingencies, seize opportunities, and ultimately improve economic performance. However, existing studies have not yet reached a consensus on the relationship between organizational improvisation and economic performance. This study uses the meta-analysis to explore this relationship as well as the moderating factors that influence it. About 28 related studies and 32 effect sizes are obtained in a comprehensive literature search of 5371 sample data. Heterogeneity test demonstrates that the random-effect model is more suitable for this analysis. The results of publication bias and funnel plot test reveal that no publication bias exists in this meta-analysis. Main effect test discovers that organizational improvisation is positively related to economic performance (r = 0.177, p < 0.05). Moderating effects tests indicate that: (1) In regions with the low-level economy, organizational improvisation plays a more significant effect on economic performance (r = 0.303, p < 0.05); (2) In the turbulent market environment, organizational improvisation plays a more significant effect on economic performance (r = 0.248, p < 0.05); (3) In the eastern cultural background, organizational improvisation plays a more significant effect on economic performance (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). This study enriches the boundary conditions for the effectiveness of organizational improvisation to some extent and deepens the existing research results of organizational improvisation, which has important practical significance for the effective use of organizational improvisation by enterprises.