It's all action, it's all learning: action learning in SMEs

Category of Paper Research paper Purpose of this paper It is argued that action learning (AL) may provide a means of successfully developing SMEs Design/methodology/approach The literature around SME learning suggests a number of processes are important for SME learning which we argue are encompassed in AL. AL may therefore offer a means of developing SME. This argument is then supported through the results of a longitudinal qualitative evaluation study conducted in the Northwest of England which involved the use of AL in 100 SMEs. Findings The discursive and critical reflection aspects of the set environment appeared to be of great utility and importance to the SMEs. Sets also had an optimum level of similarly which helped them find “common ground”. Once common ground was established set members often continued to network and form alliances outside of the set environment. SME owner managers could discuss both personal and business. Finally AL offered the opportunity to take time out of the business and “disengage” with the operational allowing them to become more strategic. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) Practical implications (if applicable) Both the literature review and the results of the evaluation suggest AL may offer a means of engaging SMEs in training which is relevant and useful to them. AL offers a way for policy-makers and support agencies to get involved with SME management development while retaining context and naturalistic conditions. What is original/value of paper This paper attempts to move beyond other articles which assess SME response to government initiatives, through examining the literature around SME learning and constructing a rationale which proposes that AL encompasses many of the learning processes suggested in the literature as effective for SME development.