This innovative session consists of a panel discussion on different approaches to researching and understanding action-learning programs, based on collaborative empirical work. Panel members compare their use of a critical-pragmatist approach and an actor-network approach. These different but complementary approaches are compared regarding their focus on managers vs. shop floor employees, the role of the set facilitator, implementation and continuation of learning following the program, and the integration of work and (self-directed) learning. [For complete proceedings, see ED491481.]