In order to understand what AL is, it is necessary to know what it is not. Learning is centered around the need to find a solution to a real problem. Learning is voluntary and learner driven.
Individual development is as important as finding the solution to the problem.
Action learning is a highly visible, social process, which may lead to organizational change. Action learning takes time. As originally envisioned, an action learning program would take 4-9 months, excluding implementation. Five basic elements of action learning are the problem, set, client, set advisor, and process . The set members need not be specialists, but they must be competent and committed to the process.