Readings:
Marquardt, M. J. (2004). Chapter 8: Introducing, implementing, and sustaining action learning.
Optimizing the Power of Action Learning: Solving Problems and Building Leaders in Real Time.
Yarmouth, ME, USA: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Pedler, M., & Abbott, C. (2013). Chapter 1: Action learning: Its origins and principles.
Facilitating Action Learning: A Practitioner’s Guide. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
[EBSCO eBook Collection]
Passmore, J. (2011). Chapter 3: Action learning supervision for coaches. Supervision in
Coaching: Supervision, Ethics, and Continuous Professional Development. London: Kogan
Page. [EBSCO eBook Collection]
Kristiansen, T. (2010). Align corporate learning with strategy setting. [Books24x7 version]
Before starting on this assignment make sure to go through the
background materials carefully and go through the main textbook
readings. Also, reflect carefully upon your Module 1-3 Case Assignments
and think about some major areas that you would like to improve upon for
your own leadership development based on the self-assessments you
have done so far in this class.
Once you have reviewed the background materials and gained a solid
understanding about the main steps and challenges of action learning,
write a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following questions:
1. Since this is your last Case Assignment for the class, start out this
assignment by reflecting on what you have found in your Module 1-3
Case Assignments. Based on your prior assignments and what you
have learned so far, what do you think are some of the main areas
you and/or some of the coworkers that you have written about should
try to improve upon?
2. Now turn to Chapter 1 of Pedler and Abbot (2013) and pages 41-42 of
Passmore (2011) where the potential benefits of action learning is
discussed. Based on your answer to Question 1 above and from
these two readings, what would you hope to improve upon using an
action learning program? Do you think action learning would help you
improve in these areas? Explain your reasoning both with respect to
the readings and the areas for improvement in your leadership that
you have identified so far in this class.
3. Go to the “Organizational Readiness for Action Learning” quiz on
pages 43-44 of Pedler and Abbot (2013). Fill it out and report your
results. Overall what does the quiz say about your organization’s
readiness to engage in an action learning program? Do you agree
with the results? What kind of challenges do you think you would
face in setting up an action learning program at your organization?
4. Finally, take a look at pages 37-38 of Passmore (2011) and Chapter 8
of Marquardt (2004), which give step-by-step guidelines on setting up
an action learning program. Based on your answers to Questions 1-3,
how would you design an action learning program in your workplace?
Include in your answer what kind of problem your set would work on,
who you would include in your set, how often you think the group
should meet, and other relevant steps outlined in the required
readings. Explain the reasoning for your choices and what kind of
outcomes you would hope to get out of this experience.