Open Space Technology offers a new paradigm – regarding theory, practice, terminology and approach – for conflict resolution, organizational development, organizational transformation and facilitation. Emerging in the late 1980s, Open Space manifested the revolutionary shift from organizational development to organizational transformation as a result of the analysis by just a handful of consultants and facilitators.
Based on Chaos Theory, the Theory of the Self-Organizing System and the Concept of Complex Adaptive Systems, Open Space Technology stands out from and surpasses all other approaches in the realm of transformation. It is particularly characterized by the “invisibility” of the facilitator, the absence of a prefixed agenda, its apparent lack of structure and control, its welcoming of both conflict and surprise and its reliance on the individual’s responsibility and participation based on passion. In fact, Open Space Technology meetings turn out to be very structured and controlled – by the people involved. In this way they meet the needs of the participants infinitely better than any pre-planning could ever achieve. Open Space unleashes all the potential of groups and systems
What is Open Space Technology?In conferences, important things happen during the coffee breaks. Participants discuss what really matters to them in small groups. They exchange ideas, make contacts, network and plan projects. This is the phenomenon that Open Space Technology is based on. In other words, Open Space captures the spirit of one big break – with all its characteristics: energetic, self-organized, adapted by participants to their needs, unpredictable, chaotic, spontaneous and very productive."Open Space Technology (OST) is (...) a deceptively simple approach to better, more productive meetings in which groups of from five to one thousand [recent event: 2108 participants people quickly self-organize to deal effectively with complex issues in a very short time. Open Space events last from several hours to several days, depending on the circumstances and the pursued goals. People might gather for a one-day workshop, a three-day conference or a weekly staff meeting. The optimum length and design of an event requires 16 hours spread over a three day period, preceded by a half day preparation meeting and followed by a half day next meeting
Who uses Open Space Technology?
Public and private organizations, small businesses, large corporations, associations, cooperatives, community based groups, communities, governments and families meet in Open Space to enhance the quality of collaboration.