Exploring How an Experiential Learning Program Shapes Management Students’ Knowledge and Awareness About Water Conservation

Abstract

Water conservation has become one of the major ecological challenges of the 21st century. Education is therefore critical to fostering awareness of water-related issues among future managers and policymakers. In this regard, this study examines the XL Blue Walk, an experiential learning program implemented in France. Thirteen business school students (undergraduate and graduate levels) participated in the initiative. The program combined a walking journey with site visits and meetings with water management experts. Drawing on a three-stage data collection process and thematic content analysis, the research highlights the nuanced effectiveness of the experiential learning program for knowledge acquisition and assimilation. While the program’s flexible structure and diverse interactions facilitated knowledge transmission, students tended to retain lived experiences more strongly than the theoretical knowledge conveyed during the XL Blue Walk. However, their perception of water evolved toward a heightened awareness of the need to preserve this resource. Several participants even reported initial behavioral changes, adopting more sober and conservation-oriented practices following their participation in the program. Thus, this study contributes to theoretical knowledge on the effectiveness of experiential learning and on raising students’ awareness of water-related issues. By proposing adaptable formats, the study presents the XL Blue Walk as a transferable model for management education.