Chief executive peer groups: A case study in action learning.

Abstract

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141 p.

This case study examines action learning within the context of the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC)$\sp\circler$. The $PAC \sp\circler$ is a hybrid form of peer group education drawing upon the traditions of conventional executive education, but structured around confidential problem-solving groups of non-competing chief executive officers (CEOs).A survey of the literature and development of a case grounded in action learning may provide insights into the educational, problem-solving, and support needs of CEOs. The population studied, the methods engaged in, and the prescriptive aspects of the case study shed light on a segment of executive education that had previously been neglected. That segment is the cohort of individuals serving as CEOs of organizations generating under $100,000,000 in annual revenues and employing less than 500 people.The general purpose of this study was to document the patterns and processes of learning and problem-solving that occur in a chief executive peer group. This purpose was accomplished through detailed observation and recording of a pilot peer group's activities in Chicago for over five years. PAC contained twelve CEOs (nine males and three females) and its chairperson, who met ten times during each year in structured one-day meetings.A CEO was invited to join the study only after careful screening to learn if his or her personality and business complemented those of existing members. Charter members came from backgrounds in manufacturing, finance, sales, and operations. Nine member companies were private, and three companies were public, trading stock on major exchanges.Heretofore, action learning had been utilized for management education among middle level managers. This study advances the application of action learning for utilization by top managers. Results of this study include a model for CEO action learning and a theory of evolution for such a group.This study offers practical guidelines to individuals providing executive education. The analysis of the study offers constructs upon which to build similar peer groups. Insight into executive behavior and educational processes will benefit those planning or delivering executive education.