Transcending the role: personal transformation of action-learning facilitators

ABSTRACT The many genres of action learning have contributed to solving business and social problems, individual development and organisational learning. Different authors have scrutinised the role of the action-learning facilitator in upholding the precepts of action learning. Whilst the responsibilities of the facilitator to the group are significant, this paper concentrates on the personal transformation of facilitators who have transitioned into the role in an application of business-driven action learning. Hence, this study explores how individuals who took on the role of action-learning facilitator experienced genuine personal development. This exploration, within a South African context, offers a perspective on facilitator growth, a subject which has not gained much traction in the action-learning literature. The findings offer insight into the internalisation of action-learning principles, critical shifts and heightened learnings for facilitators.