Action Learning: A Strategic Approach for Organizations Facing Turbulent Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of a generic strategic approach which organizations can utilize to meet the rapid, complex, interrelated change encountered in turbulent conditions more effectively. The present approach is arrived at by “distilling” the principles embodied in leading edge planning and management strategies. These principles are integrated theoretically within the action learning approach, which considers learning rooted in action to be a most helpful guiding metaphor to enable effective strategies under such conditions. An exploration is then made of the relationship among action learning and other more traditional organizational modes by comparing this relationship with Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions.