action learning

Concept suggesting managers learn best when working on real issues in a group, rather than in the traditional classroom. The concept was introduced by British management theorist Reg Revans, who developed a formula to explain action learning: L = P + Q. Learning (L) occurs through the combination of programmed knowledge (P) and the ability to ask insightful questions (Q).

Action learning is based upon releasing and reinterpreting the accumulated experiences of people in the group. Equally useful for individuals and organizations, action learning can brings benefits such as reduced delay between learning and implementation, lower costs, and increased organizational commitment, and can produce innovative solutions.