Page 84 - Crossing Cultural Boundaries - Cees den Teuling

2.7.3 The use and implementation of Action Learning, Action Research and Emotional Intelligence in Knowledge Transfer and Organisational Learning, to improve managerial processes
The concept of AL was developed and introduced by Revans (1971;1983), who defined AL as “a mean of development, intellectual, emotional or physical, that requires its subjects, through responsible involvement in some real, complex and stressful problem, to achieve intended change to improve their observable behaviour henceforth in the problem field” (Revans, 1982, p. 626-627).
AL is based on learning-by-doing (L-b-D) and self-development in a practical learning group, to discuss problem-solving processes. The group, coined as the “AL set”, organises meetings on regular basis. A prepared environment provides challenge and support to “set” members which are encouraged by experience learnt, commonly sharing that experience, to advise and criticize other “set” participants in a positive stance, accepting advices for implementation. Actions taken are reviewed and the lessons learnt are shared (Margerison, 1988).
As identified by Marsick and O’Neil (1999) three different “schools of thought” are developed over the years after the introduction of AL in the KM environment, i.e. Scientific, Experimental and Critical Reflection. The theoretical backgrounds of each “school of thought” are summarized in the Table 2 below.
Table 2: The Three Schools of Action Learning (Marsick and O’Neil, 1999, pp 161-163)
School
Influenced by
Theoretical background
Scientific
R. W. Revans (1982)
1. 2.
3.
Action learning is viewed as a model of problem solving in three stages:
System Alpha – design of a problem-solving strategy including a situation analysis. System Beta – the negotiation of the strategy including survey, hypothesis, experiment, audit and review.
System Gamma – the learning process associated with the strategy.
Experiential
D. Kolb (1984)
Based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, proponents of this school advocate that the starting point for learning is action followed
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