Making Choices about the Use of the Outdoors in Manager and Management Development 1

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for analysing 'Outdoor Management Development' so as to help potential consumers assess the compatibil ity of provider organisations and their own. In the first part the choice of the label Outdoor Management Development (OMD) is explained and the boundaries are defined (cf. Beeby and Rathborn 1983, p. 172). A framework for thinking about the ways in which the Outdoors can be used in Manager and Management Develop ment is outlined in the second part. This framework highlights the range of developmental philosophies possible in the outdoors. Some examples of applica tions of OMD are given. It is intended that the framework will be used as the basis for further study and evaluation of OMD. The paper includes a comprehensive bibliography of Management Development Outdoors.