Outdoor challenge training for MBA students: Is it really worth doing it for the team?

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a concise briefing on the most topical issues and relevant implications from the top 400 management publications in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the argument in context.

Findings

The article explains and comments on a study into the performance of 36 teams of MBA students in an outdoor challenge training (OCT) initiative. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of OCT for team building in business schools through gathering and analysing feedback from participants. On the whole, the results showed a greater degree of negative than positive response despite increased use of OCT for team development. Therefore, the article argues that more empirical evidence is needed to show whether or not OCT is worthwhile and prompts wider consideration of how to increase the effectiveness of working teams.

Originality/value

Provides implementable strategies and practical thinking that has influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Citation

(2005), "Outdoor challenge training for MBA students: Is it really worth doing it for the team?", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 17-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280510572167