An Integrative Framework for Problem-Based Learning and Action Learning: Promoting Evidence-Based Design and Evaluation in Leadership Development

Experiential learning methods for leadership development have grown in popularity, but empirical research to support design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation has not kept pace with the demand for these programs. Problem-based learning (PBL) and action learning (AL) are two examples of these interventions used for developing agile practitioners while solving challenges found in the workplace. Addressing the complexity of these approaches, this article presents a framework that integrates PBL and AL design features to facilitate research into these similar interventions for management and leadership development. The PBL and AL literatures are compared to reveal analogous characteristics and to highlight gaps in research. The integrative framework is applied to make recommendations for human resource development practitioners conducting program evaluations.