ABSTRACT Insights into the learning environment are required especially when applying action learning commonly used in management development programmes (MDPs). The study reports on an emerging action learning conceptual framework that fosters an environment for individual transformative learning in an MDP. The purpose of this research was to make clear the often invisible and visible individual transformative learning that can result from action learning. In using a narrative enquiry approach, participants on an MDP shared their action learning experience. Five phases of qualitative research were conducted using narrative enquiry. Phases one and two were pilot stages, phase three applied McCormack’s lenses to transcripts and hand-drawn images, which resulted in interpretive stories. Themes were identified and applied to the design of the framework and can be classified as antecedents, process and outcomes. Antecedents include readiness to learn, supportive relationships and a diverse team. Process includes active reflection and managing the need for control. Individual transformative learning outcomes include multiple perspectives, self-awareness and self-confidence. Phase five involved getting feedback from action learning facilitates on the emerging framework. This emerging conceptual framework can guide action learning facilitators and participants in fostering an individual transformative learning environment during action learning in an MDP context.

This book does not disappoint. Readers, like me, familiar with Bob Garratt's previous works on the learning organisation and leadership and director development will expect an engaging and at times...

ABSTRACT This paper uses action learning as a basis for producing research data that help explore the relationship between learning and listening in public organizations. The regional government of Gipuzkoa in northern Spain is engaged in a sustained effort to change the way it interacts with and interprets the future needs of society. Based on grounded theory and on a review of key concepts about critical action learning, a reflexive analysis of the implementation of the methodology of action learning with policy makers was conducted. The paper explores the learning journey participants undertake when implementing a governmental programme of citizen engagement, and shows that a space for criticality resulted in participants learning to listen to each other, and consequently to society, in ways which had previously been beyond reach. The paper concludes by discussing the learning implications for listening to society.

ABSTRACTIn this paper, I discuss participatory action research (PAR) as a way to support social and political engagement and develop civil society. After a short overview of my personal journey to participatory action research, I describe a general structure that I have developed for organizing PAR projects and a short introduction to the state of civil society in Hungary. I then summarize three PAR projects in Budapest between 2011 and 2018. All three revolved around the issue of affordable and adequate housing and were designed as part of the movement for the right to housing in Hungary. The paper concludes with some of the most important implications I drew from this work regarding the development of civil society and critical consciousness.

The four accounts in this edition are very different in both content and presentation. In addition to providing information and insight as to the positive contribution, they each leave us with ques...

This book reports a mixed method, quasi-experimental study of the effectiveness of a groupwork-based intervention in fostering critical thinking among students in the context of the general studies...

ABSTRACTPromoting open reflection and exploration on group dynamics is delicate work and is often considered ‘not very business-like’ in a business context. How to approach this work is a constant balance and struggle for action learning practitioners. In this account of practice, we present central elements in our action learning framework – Action Lab® – where the design builds on Business Driven Action Learning. We share core ideas and assumptions behind our action learning approach, which is informed by a systems psychodynamic understanding of groups. This account of practice aims at sharing and discussing ideas and distinctive work modes for creating double awareness – i.e. how to maintain a balanced awareness of task and process and how to increase self and social awareness – in a performance-driven business contexts.

Readers of this journal do not need to be reminded of the centrality of questions to the practice of action learning. This edition addresses the asking of better questions. It also considers action...

ABSTRACTIn completing an action learning facilitation qualification in 2012, I documented an account of practice during the first year of my experience as a facilitator. The main areas of my learning related to four themes: fear of rejection, using and abusing power, content versus process and critical action learning. These learnings are linked to descriptions of five facilitation episodes during that formative first year, each surfacing a significant new challenge, question or realisation. Looking back seven years later, most of my early learnings about action learning facilitation (and myself) still resonate. With seven years’ more experience, it is now the less visible aspects of the facilitator's role that seem more important and hold the most need for my continued learning.