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Change approaches & management tools SeCtion tWo
OPEN-SPACE METHOD Description
The approach brings together groups of people to identify and address issues connected with a shared matter of interest. Its basis is that shared understandings built through participation will yield coordinated action. The purpose of the event is to surface differences in understanding, work through them, and build a new response. Successful events require a compelling theme; attendance of all those with a stake in change; and relevant tasks to complete within subgroups during the event. The approach seeks to addresses four dilemmas facing facilitators:
• Voice: need for participation tempered by possibility of being overwhelmed
• Structure: needing structure to complete task, but freedom to explore nuances
• Egocentricity: participants holding tightly to their personal view will foreclose options
• Emotional contagion: participants feed off the frustrations/excitement of others (‘groupthink’) resulting in solutions people cannot accept in reality
Open-space responds by imposing a minimal formal structure, allowing participants to self- organise around topics associated with the overarching conference theme
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