Using Action Learning with Multicultural Groups

Action learning was developed by British physicist and professor Reginald Revans over 50 years ago and has had a growing degree of success in the Western/Anglo-Saxon cultures of the U.S., Canada, northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Few examples of successful implementation of action learning exist, however, with the remaining 90% of the world. Un-awareness of action learning may account for some of the limited use of action learning in these regions. The author contends, however, that another reason may be that cultural values and practices in many part of the world do not “fit” as naturally with action learning values and practices. Key action learning elements such as diversity of set membership, taking action absent the presence of authority, and frankly sharing the learning experience are more difficult for non-Western cultures to implement. The article concludes with strategies for overcoming these cultural obstacles and steps for building on the synergies of culture in having successful action learning programs in multicultural groups.