Title: Recasting the 'technologies' of outdoor management development: an interpretivist perspective on the tools, models and processes used in the field

Authors: Peter Stokes; Neil Moore; Mark Hickman; Peter Scott; Caroline Rowland

Addresses: Chester Business School, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK ' Department of Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Chester Business School, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK ' School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors, Greenbank Building, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 7DR, UK ' Liverpool John Moores University, I M Marsh Campus, Barkhill Road, Aigburth, Liverpool, L17 6BD, UK ' Chester Business School, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK

Abstract: This paper investigates the models and tools commonly engaged in outdoor management development (OMD). The paper employs an interpretive methodology engaging participant observation and narrative techniques. A number of OMD providers were studied and this generated a rich body of data which is relayed and examined in the text. In spite of extensive theoretical contemporary debates and developments in wider human resource development domains, the study identifies that many practitioners working in experiential course settings continue to engage a predominantly positivistic, well-rehearsed, over-used, and indeed ageing, collection of models. The paper identifies linear and modernistic assumptions on which such models are predicated. OMD is a relatively longstanding form of training which continues to be used by a large number of individuals. The phenomenon therefore merits attention so as to better determine the social implications of the approach. The paper offers an original and innovative consideration of the tools generally employed in OMD programmes.

Keywords: OMD; outdoor management development; positivism; modernism; narrative; interpretivism; HRD; human resource development; training; social implications.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2013.058275

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2013 Vol.6 No.4, pp.299 - 317

Published online: 12 Dec 2013 *

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