Wholesome learning about self and others through sensitivity training: Experiences of Indian MBA students

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present paper is to examine the role of sensitivity training (ST) methods at higher education institutions as a service provider for future managers’ qualifications.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis of the narratives logs of participants of a ST was carried out.

Findings

The data collected reveal influential impact of ST on MBA students. It discusses the students’ journey from unknowing to knowing through self-discovery route. Specifically, there are five connecting points in ST: experience, trust, understand, learn and apply. At an abstraction level, overall this experience can be equated with feeling of being “self rejuvenated”.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined to the participants of MBA-HR course. More insights can be obtained by replicating the study for participants from different programmes.

Originality/value

The original contribution of the study lies in revisiting the experiential learning (EL) process in ST. ST is a kind of EL, yet different in the process, as it mediates through trust building.

Citation

Awasthy, R., Jaisinghani, D. and Gupta, R.K. (2015), "Wholesome learning about self and others through sensitivity training: Experiences of Indian MBA students", Journal of Indian Business Research, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 338-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIBR-07-2014-0049