What is Action Learning?
Action learning is a group effort that involves solving real problems, focusing on acquired learning and implementing systems-wide solutions. It provides well-tested methods of accelerating learning that enable people to master and handle difficult situations. It also has a powerful, multiplying impact. By using action learning, organizations can more effectively respond to change as people apply new knowledge and skills in their daily work, and as the solution is applied to other related functions or processes. Action learning is the brainchild of Reg Revans, President of the International Management Center in the United Kingdom (see the box on the next page), who began creating and implementing action learning programs more than 50 years ago.
Action learning is not only a powerful tool for solving real problems, but also provides group participants with the leadership skills and self-awareness required to help the organization develop and adapt to the changing environment.
Action learning can address a wide variety of problems—complex problems that touch on different parts of the entire organization, problems that are not amenable to expert solutions, problems on which decisions have not already been made, and problems that are organizational rather than technical in nature. Examples of such problems could include the following:
reducing turnover in the workforce
improving systems to reduce paperwork
increasing sales by a predetermined amount
resolving problems between departments
increasing the use of computers in a company
reorganizing a department
closing of a production or line
increasing productivity
developing a new performance appraisal system