Action learning and action reflection learning: are they different? Part 2

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare action learning and action reflection learning (ARL), exploring the similarities and differences. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a bibliographic search through ProQuest to collect scholarly journal publications on the definition and evolution of action learning; scholarly dissertations on ARL and their bibliographic references applying to this comparison. The origins of both action learning and action reflection learning are explored. Action learning is first compared to ARL, using the taxonomy of Rimanoczy of ARL's principles and elements. Then ARL is compared to the characteristics listed for Action Learning by Smith and O'Neil. Findings – As a result of this double comparison, a list of commonalities and differences is established. The comparison indicates that while there are action‐learning aspects in some of the ARL based interventions, the eclectic characteristics developed by practitioners convert ARL into a learning architecture that brings together best professional practices described in various theoretical lines. Originality/value – This paper offers guidelines to designing and implementing learning interventions in a wide scope of contexts.