Conversations outside the comfort zone: identity formation in SME manager action learning

Abstract

In this paper we consider the construction of narrative identity and particularly how managers of small businesses may construct new narrative identities within the activity of the action learning situation. We build on recent work to suggest that the 'world' of managers can be explored through a consideration of Vygotsky's (1978) socio cultural theory of learning and what he referred to as the Zone of Proximal Development. We argue that for small business managers, a consideration of identity is fundamental to personal and business development and that this encompasses a consideration of present concerns and interests, existing capacities and understandings and skills to find solutions to problems faced. We base our propositions on the evidence that many small business managers feel the need to focus on operational activities which prevents consideration of the long term, and, we suggest that they suffer from a lack of aspiration or confidence which serves to define and reinforce a 'stuck and struggling' identity. Action learning should not be viewed merely as an opportunity to pose and find solutions to problems; more importantly it offers the possibility of considering which aspects of a learner's self image are potentially blocking progress and change, to engage in identity work and to surface and take action upon those elements of one's current identity which prevent thoughtful action. We suggest that this re-theorization of action learning provides a basis for emphasising the identity-forming potential of sets and we also propose that action learning practitioners (set advisors) use Vygotsky's notions of socio cultural practice and the Zone of Proximal Development to encourage the re-narration of identities in the action learning situation

The Development of Entrepreneurial Leadership: The Role of Human, Social and Institutional Capital

“…We have done so in the specific context of the lived experience of entrepreneurial leadership development in a cohort of leaders in growing small businesses facing a major challenge or tipping point in their development. Thus, we have contributed to the literature on leadership development in small entrepreneurial firms (Anderson and Gold, ; Leitch, McMullan and Harrison, ; Pittaway et al ., ; Rae, ; Ram and Trehan, ; Smith, ; Stewart, ). In the context of an action‐learning‐based approach to leadership development, which provides an important vehicle for the generation, articulation and dispersion of domain specific knowledge (Enos, Kehrhahn and Bell, ), we have recognized the role of human capital and social capital in entrepreneurial leadership development.…”

Socio-cultural mediated action in action learning for human resource management and human resource development

“…Of course, this process can also lead to a strong acceptance by individuals of who they are, such that it restricts or hinders the undertaking of particular actions and motivation towards or interest in particular goals. As Anderson and Gold (2009) suggested, identity formation which is restricted can lie at the heart of many difficulties faced by managers.…”

“…The relevance of the Vygotskian perspective on mediating tools to HRD can be seen in the use of language and contextual stimuli such as resources for knowledge exchange to induce learning and development in employees (Anderson and Gold, 2009;Yeo and Gold, 2011a). That tools can both help and hinder action is a crucial feature of socio-cultural theory and how learning occurs.…”

Twenty‐first century librarians: time for Zones of Intervention and Zones of Proximal Development?

“…In an article titled "Institutional creativity: The relational Zone of Proximal Development", Hasse (2001) argues that creative acts cannot be confined to an individual, and that institutions can facilitate creative potential and development. Lapkin et al (2010) report on the role of language, referred to as "languaging", in shaping higher order mental processes, while Anderson and Gold (2009) report on identity formation as fundamental to personal and business development; this encompasses a consideration of present concerns and interests, existing capacities and understandings and skills to find solutions to problems faced. They also mention action learning and the importance of self-image.…”

“…Lapkin et al (2010) report on the role of language, referred to as "languaging", in shaping higher order mental processes, while Anderson and Gold (2009) report on identity formation as fundamental to personal and business development; this encompasses a consideration of present concerns and interests, existing capacities and understandings and skills to find solutions to problems faced. They also mention action learning and the importance of self-image.…”