Influence of leadership programs on generic skill development and entrepreneurship: The role of action learning focused on questioning and reflection of young adults

This study explores the long-term influence of action learning (AL) on the generic skills and entrepreneurship of university students. Young adults who participated in AL programs during their university years were surveyed to examine the application of the skills in their early and mid-career, and the following findings were obtained: AL effectively fosters critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and improves generic skills through questioning and the acquisition of multiple perspectives; AL is effective in developing entrepreneurial skills, but only when entrepreneurial intention is present. The application of skills acquired in AL is practically applied in mid-career and beyond. These findings suggest that AL may have a long-term impact on improving generic skills and fostering entrepreneurship. We discuss the application and potential of AL, not only as an educational tool for researchers, but also as a practical approach for educators, practitioners, and corporate leaders in entrepreneurship.