Secular discernment: a process of individual unlearning and collective relearning

Burton, Nicholas, Vu, Mai Chi and Hawkins, Melissa (2022) Secular discernment: a process of individual unlearning and collective relearning. Management Learning. ISSN 1350-5076 (In Press)

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Abstract

Through a process of action research with a non-religious organization, this article provides a foundation for the characteristics of a secular discernment process. Importantly, we argue that discernment can be conceptualized as a process of entwined individual unlearning and collective relearning. Our action research study contributes to both the discernment and the unlearning literatures by unpacking how discernment encourages a process of individual unlearning – which our study suggests entails a process of ‘setting aside’ and reflexive-distancing from a priori individual knowledge – to be more open and receptive to new ways of emergent collective re-learning. The process of unlearning – and the behavioural norms and routines that are central to discernment – underscores the collective relearning process. The article concludes with future pathways for research.

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