Action Learning for Managers

by Mike Pedler

Action Learning for Managers is a clear, concise and straightforward guide to this well-established approach to problem solving and learning in groups that enables change in individuals, teams, organisations and systems. Through action learning people develop themselves and build the relationships that are the key to improving operations and bringing about innovations.

With questionnaires, checklists, examples and practical advice, this little book includes everything you need to get started. Action learning is essentially a simple idea but one that requires thought, commitment and care to put into practice.

98 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[peachpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dissappointing

I had higher expectations of this book. I found it rather parochial. The dialog and cases feel forced and contrived. It didn't get 1 star because it does have some useful insight but it's like watching a boring 2 hour movie for a 2 minute thriller ending.

[F.C. Quiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a sharp, no‑fluff guide to actually doing learning + action rather than just reading about it. Pedler breaks down how small groups of managers can bring real, on‑the‑ground problems into learning sets, ask hard questions, and generate change. What I liked most is that the book isn’t just theory—it offers checklists, questionnaires, stories and a roadmap for making this approach a habit. If you're a manager looking to turn learning into doing, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

[Navin Valrani · Rating 2 out of 5]

A common sense approach to finding solutions to problems in organizations: action learning is a fancy name given to the collaborative approach that the large majority of successful organizations deploy in one way or another. To an educator, the book seemed awfully obvious in its recommended approach.