Wholesome learning about self and others through sensitivity training

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the present paper is to examine the role of sensitivity training (ST) methods at higher education institutions as a service provider for future managers’ qualifications. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative content analysis of the narratives logs of participants of a ST was carried out. Findings – The data collected reveal influential impact of ST on MBA students. It discusses the students’ journey from unknowing to knowing through self-discovery route. Specifically, there are five connecting points in ST: experience, trust, understand, learn and apply. At an abstraction level, overall this experience can be equated with feeling of being “self rejuvenated”. Research limitations/implications – The study is confined to the participants of MBA-HR course. More insights can be obtained by replicating the study for participants from different programmes. Originality/value – The original contribution of the study lies in revisiting the experiential learning (EL) process in ST. ST is a kind of EL, yet different in the process, as it mediates through trust building.