Critical Management Education and Action-Based Learning: Synergies and Contradictions

TLDR

The proposal may face criticism from proponents of both critical perspectives and action‑based learning traditions. The authors propose integrating critical perspectives and action‑based learning to benefit management education and managers. The approach emphasizes workplace‑situated, questioning learning that fosters collective reflection, drawing on organizational examples and current debates. INSETS include Action‑Based Learning and the Review of Bidding, An Attempt to Engage With Power Relations, and Critical Action Learning and Leading Performance.

Abstract

We propose that management education, and therefore managers, could benefit from a bringing together of two distinct traditions within management learning: the recent interest in applying critical perspectives to management theory and practice, and the longer standing tradition of action-based learning. The characteristics of such an approach would be that it would emphasize learning that is questioning of structures and organizational practices, would be situated in the workplace, and would encourage a focus on collective learning and reflection. In developing these propositions we draw on examples from our organizational experience as well as on current debates within management education. In dealing with the implications for management educators, we acknowledge that our proposed merger would not be without criticism from proponents of both traditions. INSETS: Action-Based Learning and the Review of Bidding…;An Attempt to Engage With Power Relations…;Critical Action Learning and Leading Performance.