For More Information: The Open Space Institutes, www.openspaceworld.org
Purpose:
To enable groups to address complex, important issues as a high-performing system by inviting people to take responsibility for what they love for a few hours, a few days, or as an everyday practice.
Outcomes:
• Discover the capacity to operate as self-managed work teams with high levels of personal responsibility and leadership
When to Use:
• In critical situations requiring resolution characterized by high levels ofcomplexity, diversity (of participants), and conflict (potential or actual), and with a decision time of yesterday
When Not to Use:
• Specific predetermined outcomes are desired
Number of Participants:
• 5–2,000 people; no limit, theoretically, by using computer-connected, multisite, simultaneous events
Types of Participants:
• Anybody who cares about the issue under consideration
• Diversity is a plus
Typical Duration:
• Preparation: The space opens with the first conversation
• Event: 1–3 days
• Total Transition: May last for the rest of the organization’s life
Brief Example:
In Bogotá, Colombia, 2,100 people—1,800 street kids, aged 15–22, and 300 of their teachers—convened for two days to consider the future of their jobs program. The core idea from the conference was responsibility. The program was permanently altered, with the young people taking more responsibility for themselves and a much more responsible attitude toward their jobs. Lateness, laziness, and disrespect are almost gone. There were many structural changes in the schools. And finally, respect from the young peoples’ bosses increased as their quality of work improved. The experience profoundly impacted the kids’ approach to their lives.
Historical Context:
Created in 1985 by Harrison Owen with collegial assistance from a global cast of thousands. Open Space
came initially from the wisdom and experience of indigenous people from around the world. Insights into the function of Open Space are from cultural anthropology, chaos and complexity theory, and non- Western (rational scientific) traditions.
 Open Space Technology |
