Critical Management Education and Action-Based Learning: Synergies and Contradictions

We propose that management education, and therefore managers, could benefit from a bringing together of two distinct traditions within management learning: the recent interest in applying critical perspectives to management theory and practice, and the longer standing tradition of action-based learning. The characteristics of such an approach would be that it would emphasize learning that is questioning of structures and organizational practices, would be situated in the workplace, and would encourage a focus on collective learning and reflection. In developing these propositions we draw on examples from our organizational experience as well as on current debates within management education. In dealing with the implications for management educators, we acknowledge that our proposed merger would not be without criticism from proponents of both traditions. INSETS: Action-Based Learning and the Review of Bidding…;An Attempt to Engage With Power Relations…;Critical Action Learning and Leading Performance.

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