Improving Work & Learning Through Evidence-Based Research
Helping organisations get smarter — WEB Research now serves as a repository of decades of research and a platform for current analysis and reflective commentary on work, learning, and organisational practice.
‘Learning is the most productive human activity‘
WEB Research was established to use that knowledge to improve organisational effectiveness. We provided research, evaluation, change-management services, and business consultancy, helping organisations strengthen productivity, innovation, skills, and long-term sustainability. Our approach has always been grounded in research-based methods refined through extensive work with people in organisations.
Latest posts
Ms Stanford speaks to the PPTA Leadership Conference
Ms Stanford questioned the value of Kāhui Ako, but her reasoning is weak. This post examines her claims, highlights real successes, and exposes the short-sighted decision risking teachers’ professional resources.
Ken Wilson Speech to Kahuinga Arataki May 2025 – Lamentation and Resignation
Kia ora koutou. After decades in education, I reflect on the catastrophic decision to defund Kāhui Ako, a rare innovation shaping New Zealand’s public schools.
Introduction to Ken Wilson
A reflection on five decades in education, from national policy work to developmental research, and why the decision to disestablish Kāhui Ako represents a profound loss for the teaching profession.
W.E.B. Research – Our Legacy
Explore 20+ years of research and case studies
Public Education Commentary
Essays and analysis on education policy
Reflections & Insights
Browse blog posts and reflections on work and learning
WEB Research timeline
1998 – Founding
WEB Research established to study how adults learn at work.
2000 – Early Research & Consultancy
Research and change management for public sector, schools, and businesses.
2002 – Expanded Methodologies
Applied new methods to improve workplace innovation.
2005 – Sector Leadership Begins
Active members of ISCAR; internationally recognised for CHAT & DWR.
2007 – Publications & Case Studies
Published papers & case studies for global audiences.
2010 – SME Expertise & Local Impact
Consulting for NZ SMEs to improve productivity and innovation.
2012 – Evidence-Based Strategy
Applied research to organisational strategy and skill development.
2020 – Blog & Knowledge Archive
Maintains digital archive of insights, essays, and past research projects.
2022 – Blog Launch & Thought Leadership
Online blog launched, sharing thought leadership & research summaries.
What We Did – Research, Evaluation & Advisory Services
Our methods drew on Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and Developmental Work Research (DWR). We were active members of the International Society for Cultural and Activity Research (ISCAR) and were, for a time, world leaders in adapting CHAT and DWR for application in workplaces as a consulting method. WEB was, itself, a New Zealand SME. For clients, this ensured that we understood the challenges of running a small business and that we had a deep understanding of the attitudes, values and cultural imprints of New Zealanders in their work.