Review and respond : using action learning to cope with the economic crisis

Shaffakat, Samah and Burgoyne, John and Simm, David (2014) Review and respond : using action learning to cope with the economic crisis. In: OKLC 2012 International Conference on Organisational Learning, Knowledge and Capabilities, 2012-04-25 - 2012-04-27.

Abstract

This paper addresses the findings from an exploratory study conducted on the use of action learning in two Asian organisations in the context of the current economic crisis. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved in-depth interviews to draw out insights into the use of action learning as a possibly effective problem-solving and decision making approach during crisis. The data was analysed through content analysis which proved to be beneficial as a way of deepening comprehensibility of the action learning method, and its benefits in these circumstances. The study identified the presence of quite similar views (although explained through different examples) presented by the participants in these two organisations. It is argued that action learning can offer a way to quick decision making and handling organisational issues while promoting innovation which is required by the organisations in current economic crisis.