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Technology of Participation |
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For More Information: The Institute of Cultural Affairs, www.ica-usa.org
Purpose:
To elicit participation of a group, organization, or community in creating a thoughtful discussion, consensus formation, or the collaborative creation of short-term or strategic plans.
Outcomes:
• Create solutions that represent a group’s best thinking and which it will own
• Deeper understanding of and commitment to decisions and directions
When to Use:
• A group, organization, or community has a question or concern related to change and future action
• New strategies and focused directions are needed
• People need in-depth dialogue to allow them to operate with a common understanding and focus
When Not to Use:
• Severe and unyielding group conflict is present
• The outcome is predetermined
• Key stakeholders will not be present
• No leadership support for decisions the group might make
Number of Participants:
• 5–1,000
Types of Participants:
• Those directly involved in the issues or who will be affected by any solutions
• Those expected to support or implement any plans developed
Typical Duration:
• Preparation: 1–3 days
• Process: Typically 1–3 days
• Transition: Variable
Brief Example:
A 40-person state government department used ToP methods to restore communications and trust and to develop a vision and new direction. Some outcomes: new in-house facilitators helped sections develop goals and mission statements; assessment of staff needs resulted in computer and quality training; and the office restructured, folding many functions into other departments.
Historical Context:
Developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs in the 1960s and 1970s for change initiatives in different countries, especially community development and corporate strategic planning.
 Technology of Participation |
