Research Program

WIAL strongly believes in evidence-based practice. We also believe that one of the best ways to foster and support the growth of Action learning is to demonstrate not only the validity of our assumptions and procedures, but also the superiority of WIAL methodologies over other Action Learning approaches.

It is often easier to demonstrate concrete evidence of the value of Action Learning than for other leadership development strategies. Because each Action Learning team is working on an important, even mission-critical, problem, estimates for the Return on Investment can often be established for the solutions that are developed. In addition, participants in Action Learning must demonstrate leadership skills in order for the team to produce an effective and creative solution. These behaviors can be observed and assessed both in the service of personal feedback and the assessment of individual, team, and organizational learning. Finally, since individual and team learning and development take place over time, it is possible to conduct longitudinal studies by observing the impact of Action Learning methods and procedures over time.

WIAL will pursue its research mission by encouraging and supporting the following research strategies:

• Return on Investment studies;
• Outcomes studies – assessment of value based on individual, team, and organizational learning outcomes;
• Longitudinal studies of components of the Action Learning process as well as the impact of Action Learning over time;
• Case studies that demonstrate variations in Action Learning program design.

WIAL is actively seeking corporate sponsors and foundations interested in support these research objectives.

WIAL contact: Arthur Freedman, Ph.D.
Arthur.freedman@wial.org