From Action Learning and Action Research to Action Leadership

Abstract

This chapter introduces the purpose of and rationale for this book, and its approach, educational features, structure and contents. It briefly explains the main concepts of learning, teaching, action learning (AL), action research (AR), professional development (PD), action leadership development (ALD) and problem solving – concepts that are developed in subsequent chapters. I highlight the importance of self-directed learning and development to the very diverse constituencies in the fields of action research, and leadership and organization development. I introduce new integrated concepts of ‘action leadership’ and ‘participatory action learning and action research’ (PALAR) that are the central focus of this book. The latter is a methodology for professional, leadership, organization and community development. I argue that PALAR is a proven methodology for responding effectively to complex issues in rapidly changing contexts, especially at present while we face shared unprecedented challenges as a consequence of economic, political, technological, social and ecological changes and natural disasters. I outline the contents of each chapter and point to the uniting thread of storyline and dialectics throughout the chapters. The concept and structure of the book are illustrated in Figs. 1.1 and 1.2.