Value creation
improving the ability to make a difference
Keywords
Value cycles
Value flows
Learning loops
Framing
Reframing loops
Value-creation stories
Evaluating
Effect data
Contribution data
What it is
Value creation is a perspective on social learning that reflects the aspiration to make a difference. Social learning creates value to the extent that it is recognized as improving the ability to make that difference.
The perspective of value creation does not take learning to be the “transmission of stuff”; it does not take social learning to be the “sharing of knowledge.” Rather, it assumes that learners are actively engaged in a drive to make a difference that matters to them. This drive to make a difference will make them evaluate learning situations in terms of their changing ability to make that difference.
How it contributes to social learning capability
In theorizing or cultivating social learning capability, the perspective of value creation places the emphasis on involving the agency of each participant seeking to make a difference. Learning has to be meaningful to each participant in terms of making that difference. It is also necessary to evaluate learning, and do so in ways that involves participants and nurtures meaningfulness by providing useful information. This approach is what the perspective of value creation supports. Without such an evaluative process, it is not possible to create learning flows and loops that can further social learning capability. However, focusing on evaluation can detract from social learning capability when accounting for value creation is perceived as a hoop participants need to jump through for political or funding reasons.
