Karl E. Weick

Karl E. Weick (born 1936, died March 12, 2023) was an American organizational theorist best known for his work on sensemaking, organizational improvisation, and the importance of loose coupling in organizational systems. He held the Rensis Likert Distinguished University Professorship of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at the University of Michigan.

Weick's key contributions revolve around understanding how individuals and organizations create meaning from ambiguous and often chaotic situations. His concept of "sensemaking" emphasizes the retrospective and social nature of interpretation, arguing that people understand situations by looking back at what they have done and observing how others react. This process is often driven by the need to reduce equivocality and create a coherent narrative.

His research highlighted the importance of improvisation in enabling organizations to respond effectively to unexpected events. He argued that improvisation, characterized by spontaneity and creativity, is not merely a deviation from planned behavior but a critical skill for navigating complex environments.

Weick also explored the idea of "loose coupling" in organizations. This concept suggests that loosely coupled systems, where components are relatively independent, can be more adaptable and resilient than tightly coupled systems. Loose coupling allows for experimentation and localized adaptation without disrupting the entire system.

Weick's major works include The Social Psychology of Organizing (1969, 1979), Sensemaking in Organizations (1995), and Managing the Unexpected (2001) (with Kathleen Sutcliffe). His work has significantly influenced the fields of organizational studies, management, and communication.