Four Dimensions to Induce Learning: The Challenge Profile

Abstract

Knowledge generation is critical for company survival and managers need to face a new role: becoming educators. This requires an understanding of how knowledge is generated and what triggers individual learning. We propose that each individual has a personal predisposition to use a particular learning profile. Our findings show the Educational Dimensions Portfolio (EDP) as a gallery of profiles that match each individual's problem-solving challenge. A manager-educator can use the EDP model for triggering individual learning. We have verified, using statistical methods, that there are four EDP dimensions. They are related to both David Kolb's and Peter Honey's learning styles. We have verified that each individual has a personal predisposition to use a particular profile. We call it the challenge profile. That specific combination provides the individual's gateway not only to his own learning but also to inducing learning in others.

Keywords: Manager as educator, innovation, challenge, learning styles, knowledge management