Challenging and questioning insights
In this edition of the journal the following reviews include subjects such as trends and issues in action learning practice, cross cultural management, alternative organisations, leadership, goal focused coaching, to the field of research methods for human resources. A common theme from all the reviews includes the challenging and questioning of both theory and practice in particular fields. Such questioning relates to exploring alternatives as to how we conduct our practice and research. This is also compatible with the ethos of the Journal and action learning per se. The first two reviews in particular relate to action learning. Mike Marquardt's review of Schein's Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling highlights how this book is perhaps the most valuable book an action learning professional could discover. He commends how 'Schein has captured the essential ingredient in action learning; namely placing the focus on asking rather than telling, on caring rather than commanding' Bob Mc Kenzie continues with this theme in his review of Cho and Bong's Trends and Issues in Action Learning Practice: Lessons from South Korea. The book raises important issues about introducing action learning to suit specific countries, cultures, and contexts. He raises the question about how this book can help us to make a difference in our respective action learning worlds beyond the borders of South Korea. John Edmonstone also welcomes the reflexivity of Patel's Cross Cultural Management: A Transactional Approach which calls into question how we relate to others across different cultures. He emphasises the usefulness of this book for anyone who engages in international work as a manager, a professional, or as an action learning set facilitator. Paul Illes continues this questioning theme as he reviews Parker et al.'s The Routledge Companion to Alternative Organization. He explores alternative forms of organising and organisations which he believes will help 'stimulate research and practice into creating and reviving alternative models and organisational possibilities to conventional models' The next review relates to leadership. John Lawler reviews April et al.'s book on Steward Leadership: A Maturational Perspective, which promotes a more reflective and developmental approach to leadership away from the more individualistic, competitive approaches. He notes that the book is an interesting text but lacks detail on the research, which provides its foundation. Mary Holmes reviews David et al.'s Beyond Goals: Effective Strategies for Coaching