Action
In the action phase the perspective goes beyond the adoption of new learning and the integration of new knowledge into organizational databases and existing frames of reference. In this phase, the focus is on the behavioral consequences of learning. Guiding questions for this phase might be: What procedures translate new developments into action? How do action plans come about, and who attends to them? Are there specific, implicit social and behavioral norms that prevent the introduction of new behavioral patterns based on new insights or learning? Does the organization have enough platforms and sufficient latitude within for practical experimentation with new ideas? What type of experiential play- grounds does the company have for developing new ideas and testing new patterns of behavior? To what degree does the daily work environment allow for questioning, reflection, and experiential acting (Kolb 1984)?
There are three major classes of tools related to the action phase. The first is based action- on learning research and focuses on the improvement of problem-solving through practical experiences (Pearl, Roderick, and Mulroney 1995; Redder, Burgoyne, and Boyd ell 1994; Re- vans 1982). This first class of tools includes learning contracts mentoring, shadowing, learning accomplishment audits, and scenario planning on scenario planning, see Galen and van dunderhead, Ch. 38 in this volume). The second group of action-related tools stems from large-group interventions (e.g. Search Confer- enc, Emery 1969; Real Time Strategic Change- Conference Future Conference, WebBoard 1992). The third group is closely related to system dynamics and includes such tools as micro worlds and learning laboratories. Let us now briefly examine two tools from class and two from class 3, all of which link daily routines with learning experiences.