Title: Expanding on a new model of action learning: finding ethical solutions to complex problems with a framework for insightful questioning

Authors: Stephen M. Soffe; Enoch Hale

Addresses: S.M. Soffe and Associates, LLC, 20870 Yellowbloom Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, USA ' The Foundation for Critical Thinking, P.O. Box 220, Dillon Beach, California 94929, USA

Abstract: Two critical problems are facing the academic and business communities: a lack of critical thinking capability and egregious unethical behaviour by students and practitioners in the field of business management. A number of upper tier universities have begun to address these issues by revising their undergraduate and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes. In response to widespread public criticism and the damaging impact on their bottom line, business organisations are also seeking means to address the dearth of critical thinking and ethical behaviour within their ranks. This paper expands upon a recently developed model of action learning that integrates foundational critical thinking concepts and principles with the process of action learning. It also presents an argument that this new tool has the potential to help mitigate two of the important issues identified.

Keywords: action learning; critical thinking; ethics; questioning; unethical behaviour; business management; higher education; MBA courses; business education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2013.052152

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2013 Vol.13 No.1, pp.76 - 90

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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