The State of the Art of Action Learning Research

Abstract

Action learning founder Reginald Revans emphasized the importance of striking the right balance between action and learning during the action learning process. In this article, the authors outlined key themes and patterns identified across studies based on Cho and Egan’s (2009) systematic literature review of action learning research. The article includes two major sections: (a) current state of action learning focusing on the issue of balance and (b) future directions in action learning research in line with research methods and theoretical frameworks. Addressing the need for balance between action and learning through a discussion of the current state and the quality of action learning research provides an informative picture regarding the manner in which action learning is being framed by scholars and in practice.