Large Group Interventions: Future Search and Open Space

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Issue and Applicability of Future Search
Planning in Future Search Conference
Issue and Applicability of Open Space Technology
Planning in Open Space Technology
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Coined by Marvin Weisbord, Future Search refers to the incorporation of various approaches to collaborative planning. The concept majorly borrows from the principle of leaderless group initiated by Eric Trist and Wilford Bion, which are currently ideologies for self-managing groups (Norum, 2005). Open Space and Future Search are two recognized designs for engaging large groups in dialogue and resolutions about matters of great significance. Practitioners of large team interventions prefer to employ both techniques even though they have diverse tactics and work distinctly. Open Space and Future Search are predominant approaches used in large group interventions and can be deployed independently or together as presented in the analysis.

Issue and Applicability of Future Search

I worked with Waumini Youth Group, a locally registered Community Based Organization (CBO). It was formed by young people with multi-disciplinary orientations ranging from engineering and social science to medicine. The founders were interested in improving the socio-economic status of the various members of their communities. Waumini Youth Group members, though busy in their respective disciplines, have seen the need of involving in activities as part of their social contribution to nation-building. The group is a non-aligned CBO that works beyond the spheres of religion, ethnicity, race, and economic groupings.

In recent years, the organization had registered substantial growth with roughly 1,500 members and wanted to review and establish a collective mission for the kind of community it desires. The main issue arose when every person wants their voice involved in determining the future of the group. The matter was compounded further by huge group membership characterized by distinct philosophical and ideological orientations. The steering committee did commendable work in reviewing and developing the strategic plan for the CBO.

Future search becomes the most appropriate technique towards addressing the above issue due to the following benefits. First, it cultivates inclusiveness, a value that helps in accommodating divergent views. Given the nature of the organization where everyone wants their voices heard, Future Search offers an innovative strategy by sampling appropriate representatives drawn from the entire membership to ensure that persons with resources, authority, stake, and information are part of the meeting outcomes (Norum, 2005). Second, Future Search enables planned, sequential undertakings that build conversation and transform the diverse team to a greater height.

Planning in Future Search Conference

The initial planning before the conference requires a small team of eight people to enable efficacy in activity coordination. The conference would then involve eight smaller units comprising of 8 individuals. Consequently, the meeting would have an invitation of about 64 participants. The number has been designed to allow numerous viewpoints while still maintaining a smaller team to enable effective and fruitful conversation across the entire process (Norum, 2005). Part of the planning details should also include effective scheduling where the activities should last not more than two and one-half days to facilitate trust-building and commitment to actions. The idea is anchored in the supposition that when teams share common ideals or purpose regarding a more anticipated future, they work cooperatively and respect one another.

Issue and Applicability of Open Space Technology

Despite the CBO valuing inclusivity, convening one meeting at a specific time and place remained an issue. Part of the distress was that scheduling a particular date and inviting some participants would be seen as advancing exclusivity and not embracing Wauminis values. Further, conducting sequential and parallel small group conferences became impractical since it was time consuming coupled with the possibility of gobbling substantial resources that would otherwise fit somewhere. Open Space Technology becomes appropriate since it provides opportunities for everybody to participate. It also provides a platform for the team to present their issues (Rogers, 2010). Moreover, Open Space Conversations enables all members to discover what they are ready to deliberate with little guidance from facilitators.

Planning in Open Space Technology

The initial planning of Open Space Conversation would include a committee constituted of members drawn across the entire organization with a stake in the decision-making process. The main conference would remain open to every member who wants to participate and present their thoughts on how to convene the meeting that can help the organization to handle present and future needs. The huge number of participants facilitated by Open Space Technology would also provide members with an opportunity to establish their mind maps of various trends influencing the organization and deliberate on desired vision. Part of the planning details can include a 90-minute reflection period where everyone gets a chance to comment on matters of common interest.

Conclusion

Both Open Space and Future Search are widely used in large groups to raise questions and reach a conclusion on matters that require collective decisions. Both methods have their strengths and weakness in addressing the entire system. Visibly, both approaches function separately, but there might be benefits in coalescing them in engagements, using every means to attain the best outcome. Therefore, combining both techniques when experiencing a challenging circumstance may address some of the trade-offs.

References

Norum, K. E. (2005). Chapter 15: Future search conversation. In B. Banathy & P.M. Jenlink. (Eds), Dialogue as a means of collective communication (pp. 323-333). Springer Science & Business Media B.V. / Books.

Rogers, J. (2010). Facilitating groups: Getting the best out of a group. McGraw-Hill Education.

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