Learning mechanisms as means and ends in collaborative managment research

Learning mechanisms are viewed as a critical component of collaborative management research. In this chapter, the authors review the evolution of a variety of learning mechanisms within four streams of research. Three types of learning mechanisms-cognitive, structural, and procedural-are explored as both ends and means in collaborative management research. Utilizing a five-year research project with Skandia, the nature of the learning mechanisms tapestry, or combination of different types of mechanisms being used at any time, is described, and the role that it played in the collaborative management research is discussed. The last part of the chapter focus on the exploration of three challenges: The multiple roles of learning mechanisms in collaborative management research, the design choices in the formation of learning mechanisms and their potential consequences, and learning mechanisms and the voices of inquiry and practice.