Learning to Serve: Delivering Partner Value Through Service-Learning Projects

Abstract

We consider types of value created by service-learning projects for partner organizations. We analyzed a sample of 30 international service-learning projects that are part of a single graduate business course to answer (1) what types of value do our partners derive from service-learning projects, and (2) what conditions increase the likelihood of value creation for our partners. We differentiate between two types of value: direct and indirect. Most of our projects generated some indirect value for our partners, but a smaller number of projects generated direct value. We then discuss three dimensions of service-learning projects (partner readiness, project design, and project execution) associated with the creation of direct value for partner organizations. Our manuscript extends the research on service learning by focusing on partner value and provides practical insights for instructors looking to improve service-learning offerings.