What has action learning learned to become?

Abstract

This inquiry originates in a conversation between the first two authors which con- cluded with the challenge that a Revans Institute for Action Learning & Research should not only be doing research by action learning and but should also be research- ing into action learning itself. Action learning has been a recognised innovation in management education and development in the UK since a major initiative undertaken in the General Electric Company in 1975 (Casey & Pearce, 1977). Since then interest in action learning has waxed and waned without it either becoming widespread or disappearing. It has continued to develop within a practitioner community associated with Professor R.W. Revans, who is credited as the founder. Action learning has been controversial, especially because of its championing of the ideas of practitioners or action learners over those of experts and teachers.