Entrepreneurial learning through action: a case study of the Six-Squared program

This paper explores the role of ‘action’ in entrepreneurial learning and illustrates how programs designed to support action learning can enhance management development in entrepreneurial businesses. The paper begins by exploring action learning and the way ‘action’ is conceived in different types of program. In the second part, the paper details the policy and theory issues that have led researchers to argue for action learning for entrepreneurs. Here, two basic drivers are identified: first, the inadequacy of current management development support and, second, the growth of entrepreneurial learning as a new area of research. The paper develops an argument to illustrate how action learning is valued within this context. Finally, the paper introduces a case study of an action learning program, reports the evaluative research undertaken and explains the benefits of action learning for entrepreneurs.