Is Serendipity Serendipitous?

Abstract

Serendipity may not be as serendipitous as we believe when we take into account the odds of some unexpected event happening, even if not the particular event that does happen. Consider, for example, the frequency of chance encounters that can lead to opportunities when attending a conference. Therefore, rather than being surprised by serendipity, we should expect it, and thus manage it, for example, by spending less time on e-calls and more time around the coffee machine, where serendipity can flourish.