This paper embraces new ways of thinking about learning, knowledge, action and change to suggest a personal action learning change model. A set of factors is described through which an individual can initiate and implement personal change from the inside out, that is, from their own volition.
Purpose—To provide a new frame of reference for considering change.
Design/methodology/approach—Following an introduction and definitions, people and organizations are considered as complex adaptive systems. The relationship between the knowledge worker and the environment is then explored by the mind/brain perspective prior to presenting an explication of the factors included in the personal action learning change model.
Findings—The set of factors in the personal action learning change model represent a significant force for energizing action and initiating change.
Originality/value—This is a new frame of reference for considering change.