Action Learning in Creating Social Value

Part 3 of an Emerging Manifesto for Realizing Social Value in the Transformation of Cities, Counties and Communities

Introduction

Urban transformation is not merely about physical changes to our cities; it is a profound shift that impacts people’s lives, communities, and the environment. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, social inequality, and health crises, it becomes imperative to prioritize social value alongside environmental considerations.?

Action learning?is a powerful approach to achieving sustainable urban transformation that benefits all. I’ve been an action learning practitioner for most of my professional life, certainly over thirty years. It started for me when I joined MCB University Press (now Emerald Group Publishing Limited), then based in Bradford, England. A colleague asked me if I’d heard of Reg Revans (widely acknowledged as the creator of action learning). I hadn’t and my action learning journey started.

It's both the simplicity and impact of action learning that continues to motivate me. Essentially, work in small groups on live issues that matter to the group. Have a healthy lack of respect, and occasionally grudging admiration for experts. Focus on understanding and addressing the problem being overcome. Focus on taking action (often in the form of a project) and learning from it. Adopt a questioning mindset.

It is an approach that could have been tailor made for realizing social value. In the world of large-scale transformation program management, an engaged, problem-solving local community provides foundations for lasting success.

Defining Social Value

Definitions of social value will vary, and it can be useful to specifically define what social value means for each community being impacted by a program. My generic definition is below. However, the act of workshopping the meaning of social value with community stakeholders can be an enriching exercise and set up future workshops for success.

1. Beyond Infrastructure: Social value extends beyond concrete structures and infrastructure. It encompasses well-being, equity, community cohesion, and quality of life.
2. Inclusive Benefits: Urban transformation should benefit everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Social value ensures that the gains are shared equitably.

Three Key Drivers for Placing Social Value at the Heart of Urban Transformation

I believe there to be three key drivers for placing social value at the heart of urban transformation.

1. Community Engagement:

• Empowerment: Engage citizens in decision-making processes. Their insights and lived experiences are invaluable.
• Local Wisdom: Learn from local stakeholder—the people who know their neighborhoods and communities best. Their knowledge informs sustainable city planning.
• Bottom-Up Vision: Foster a vision that emerges from the grassroots, ensuring relevance and authenticity.

2. Equity and Justice:

• Just Transition: Prioritize social justice alongside environmental goals. Ensure that benefits reach all, especially those historically marginalized. Understand the community well enough to understand which groups are marginalized. They may not be the most visible.
• Mitigating Displacement: Urban transformation should not displace vulnerable communities. Action learning helps identify risks and generate alternatives.
• Health and Well-Being: Consider health impacts—both physical and mental—when designing urban spaces.

3. Metrics and Reporting:

• Measuring Impact: Develop clear metrics to assess social value. Quantify improvements in health, education, community cohesion, and access to resources.
• Transparency: Transparent reporting ensures accountability. Share progress and challenges openly.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private entities to achieve social goals, ensuring clear, objective metrics are in place and reporting is transparent.

The Role of Action Learning in Urban Programs

So why should the action learning approach be adopted? Here are my three suggestions.

1. Learning by Doing: Action learning emphasizes practical experience. It involves actively engaging stakeholders, learning from real-world challenges, and adapting strategies accordingly.
2. Collaboration and Co-Creation: Action learning encourages collaboration among diverse actors—citizens, policymakers, planners, and practitioners. Together, they co-create solutions that address social needs.
3. Mitigating Risks: By involving stakeholders, action learning identifies risks and vulnerabilities. It helps decision-makers anticipate and mitigate adverse effects on marginalized communities.

Examples of Action Learning in Practice

Action learning won’t be the answer to every challenge. However, there are many examples where its impact within a program can be transformational.

1. Community-Led Urban Gardens:

Action: Engage community members in designing, planting, and maintaining urban gardens.

Learning: Participants learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.

Social Value: These gardens provide fresh produce, foster community connections, and enhance green spaces.

2. Participatory Budgeting:

Action: Involve residents in allocating a portion of the city budget.

Learning: Participants learn about budgeting, civic processes, and community needs.

Social Value: Transparent decision-making ensures funds are directed toward essential services and community priorities.

3. Youth-Led Public Art Projects:

Action: Empower young artists to create murals, sculptures, or installations.

Learning: Youth learn artistic skills, project management, and community engagement.

Social Value: Art beautifies public spaces, expresses local identity, and inspires dialogue.

4. Co-Design of Public Spaces:

Action: Collaborate with residents, architects, and planners to redesign parks, squares, or streets.

Learning: Participants learn about urban design principles, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Social Value: Well-designed spaces promote physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of ownership.

5. Skill-Building Workshops for Entrepreneurs:

Action: Organize workshops on business development, marketing, and financial literacy.

Learning: Entrepreneurs gain practical skills and network with peers.

Social Value: Strong local businesses create jobs, boost the economy, and enhance neighborhood vitality.

6. Community-Led Safety Initiatives:

Action: Train community members as safety ambassadors or organize neighborhood watch programs.

Learning: Participants learn about crime prevention, conflict resolution, and emergency response.

Social Value: Safer streets improve residents’ well-being and foster trust among neighbors.

7. Historical Preservation and Storytelling:

Action: Involve residents in documenting local history, preserving heritage buildings, or conducting oral history interviews.

Learning: Participants learn about their community’s past, cultural significance, and resilience.

Social Value: Preserving heritage connects generations, strengthens identity, and promotes pride.

Action learning is not just about theoretical knowledge—it’s about actively engaging with the community, learning from experiences, and co-creating solutions that enhance social well-being.

Key Actions Going Forward

1. Education and Training:

• Capacity Building: Equip urban professionals with action learning skills.
• Educate Stakeholders: Raise awareness about social value and its role in urban transformation.

2. Policy Integration:

• Embed Social Value: Integrate social value principles into urban policies and regulations.
• Incentivize Socially Responsible Practices: Reward projects that prioritize social well-being.

3. Community-Led Initiatives:

• Community Hubs: Establish spaces for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
• Local Champions: Empower community leaders to drive social change.

Conclusion

Action learning, when combined with a commitment to social value, can transform our cities into vibrant, inclusive, and resilient spaces. Collective action on projects, with a commitment to learn from each other, can create urban environments that truly serve members of the community.

This manifesto is a call to action. A call to champion social value as an integral part of urban transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind. I hope the manifesto can evolve as a collaborative endeavor to enable program managers to better serve communities.

Joseph Mason Joe Raelin Richard Hale BA (hons) MA DMgt FCIPD FRSA Julia Bolte Maram Albalawi Sarah Alanazi Hubert Saint-Onge Dr Charles Margerison Mel Cowan Christine Abbott