Action Learning in Practice

by Pedler, Mike

• ISBN13: 9780566077951
• ISBN10: 0566077957
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-01-01
• Publisher: Gower Pub Co

Summary

Since the first edition appeared, Action Learning in Practice has established itself, alongside the writings of Professor Reg Revans, as the standard work on the subject. It is unique in covering the theory, practice and implementation of Action Learning in one volume.This third edition, with no fewer than eleven additional chapters, reflects the continued growth in Action Learning and related management development methods. It contains contributions from most of the leading exponents of AL, including Reg Revans himself.In Part I a number of experienced practitioners present their views on the nature of Action Learning. Part II comprises eight case studies drawn from a wide variety of organizations around the world. Part III looks at some of the key aspects of designing and running AL programmes, and a newly created Part IV describes ways of evaluating the AL approach. Supporting material includes a detailed review of the AL literature compiled by Professor Alan Mumford.This enlarged and updated edition is sure of a warm welcome from all managers and professionals concerned with improving the effectiveness of their people and organizations.

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables	ix	(2)
A Conversation with Reg Revans	xi	(10)
Notes on Contributors	xxi	(8)
Introduction	xxix
Mike Pedler
Part I What is Action Learning?	1	(90)
Introduction to Part I	1	(2)
1 Action Learning: Its Origins and Nature	3	(12)
Reg Revans
2 The Power of Action Learning	15	(16)
Bob Garratt
3 Managing as Moral Art	31	(10)
Mike Pedler
4 The Enterprise as a Learning System	41	(8)
Reg Revans
5 Minding our Ps and Qs	49	(12)
John Morris
6 What do We Mean by Action Learning? A story and three interpretations	61	(16)
Mike Pedler
7 A Biography of Action Learning	77	(14)
Ronnie Lessem
Part II Applications	91	(104)
Introduction to Part II	91	(2)
8 Teamworking at Williams Grand Prix Engineering	93	(14)
David Giles
9 Industrial Restructuring in the Czech Republic	107	(10)
George P. Boulden
Vlasta Safarikova
10 An In-company programme	117	(12)
Alec Lewis
11 Action Learning at Digital Equipment	129	(10)
Doris Adams
Nancy M. Dixon
12 Self-improvement in Chinese Joint Venture Companies	139	(6)
Zhou Jianhua
13 Action Learning in an Academic Context	145	(28)
Richard Thorpe
Maggie Taylor
Meg Elliott
14 Doctors as Managers	173	(12)
Tony Winkless
15 Network Learning in an Austrian Hospital	185	(10)
Otmar Donnenberg
Part III Questions of Practice	195	(96)
Introduction to Part III	195	(2)
16 The Components of Action Learning	197	(12)
Alan Lawlor
17 The Role of the Set Adviser	209	(12)
David Casey
18 The shell of Your understanding	221	(8)
David Casey
19 The Learning Process	229	(14)
Alan Mumford
20 Set Advising: More than just Process Consultancy?	243	(14)
Judy O'Neil
21 US Human Resource Professionals and Action Learning	257	(12)
Nancy M. Dixon
Larry Hales
Richard Baker
22 Continuity in Action Learning	269	(10)
Jean Lawrence
23 Participating in Action Learning	279	(12)
Tom Bourner
Liz Beaty
Paul Frost
Part IV Evaluating Action Learning	291	(64)
Introduction to Part IV	291	(2)
24 Participants' Voices	293	(16)
Krystyna Weinstein
25 Action Learning for Chief Executives: An Evaluation	309	(20)
Ian Cunningham
26 More Than Just a Task Force	329	(10)
Nancy M. Dixon
27 Life on the Seesaw: Tensions in Action Reflection Learning(TM)	339	(8)
Judy O'Neil
Victoria Marsick
Lyle Yorks
Glenn Nilson
Robert Kolodny
28 Evaluating Action Learning	347	(8)
Mark Easterby-Smith
Alison Johns
John Burgoyne
Appendices	355	(40)
1 Getting Started: An Action Manual	355	(18)
David Pearce
2 A Review of the Literature	373	(20)
Alan Mumford
3 Sources of Further Information	393	(2)
Index	395