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OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
| Purpose/ outcomes |
To enable high levels of group interaction and productivity providing a basis for enhanced organizational function over time. |
| Number of participants |
- 5 - 2000 people
- No limit, theoretically, by using computer connected, multi-site, simultaneous events
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| Type of Participants |
People from the entire value chain:
- Anybody who cares about the issue under consideration
- Diversity is a plus
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| 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
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| Brief Example |
Rockport Shoes convened all hands to chart their future. By the conclusion they had identified a broad range of strategic and tactical issues. In the first 6 hours, they developed a new product with an estimated first year return of $20 million. They also created a fix to their inventory system saving an estimated $4 million. Before the event had concluded, they added $24 million to a $200 million bottom line. |
| When to Use |
In critical situations requiring resolution characterized by high levels of complexity, diversity (of participants) and conflict (potential or actual) and with a decision time of yesterday |
| When Not to Use |
Specific pre-determined outcomes are desired. For example, Open Space would not be useful to install a new financial system. On the other hand, Open Space can be exceptionally effective in designing such a system, providing for the full involvement of all concerned parties. |
| Impact on cultural assumptions |
Discover the capacity to operate as self-managed work teams with high levels of personal responsibility and leadership |
| Creator(s) |
Harrison Owen with collegial assistance from a global cast of thousands |
| Creation Date |
1985 |
| Historical Context Theory |
- Open Space came initially from the wisdom and experience of indigenous people from around the world, a wisdom and experience that most of the rest of us seem to be able to remember and share
- Insights into the function of Open Space presently come from the fields of Cultural Anthropology, Chaos and Complexity Theory and non-western (rational scientific) traditions
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more information about Open Space Technology can be found at:
http://www.openspaceworld.org
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