Abstract

This health promoting network initiates the “Sweet Enough Program” that promotes healthy eating habits by lessening sugary food intakes among Thai children. The research examines the learning process of this organization to enhance their organizational knowledge. <p>This paper used Garvin’s learning in action model as a framework to study the process. The researcher collected data through interviewing participants, observation, and documentary research to triangulate information gained. Fourteen purposively-selected key informants from 6 teams shared their project implementation experience through semi-structured interviewing between November and December 2007. Participant observation was conducted during the three years of project activity since 2005. Documentary research from reports provided further details of the programs. Thematic extraction and grounded theory served as data analysis methods. Research participants reviewed and confirmed the validity of the data. </p><p>As “Sweet Enough Network” operated as teams, the results illustrated that the learning process started by creating opportunities and setting the tone for learning in each team. “After Action Review”, the self learning strategy uncovered practical methods to reduce excessive snack consumption in the child-care centers, kindergartens, schools and communities. Learning forums also allowed participants to share and exchange their experiences and knowledge in order to implement the program both within and between teams. Search, inquiry and observation were 3 techniques that enabled knowledge transfer among teams. Finally, storytelling and written reports unveiled the best practice cases and distributed through the internet as knowledge assets which were exchanged with other health promoting organizations. In conclusion, the learning process was found to be essential for this health promoting organization to improve its performance in promoting healthy eating habits.</p>