[OSList] Is it true that Open Space does not really work when there are many internal conflict?

[Michael M Pannwitz]

Dear Kari,
if the 5 preconditions are in place (the more they are in place, the 
better which also means the more conflict/internal conflicts, the better)
OST will widen the space for the forces of selforganisation to do their 
thing.
Now, having said all this I know from experience, that there is no 
predicting what those forces will unleash (which from the point of view 
of the peacemaker would definitely contradict the admonition "never 
delude yourself of being in control" or "having figured out the system").
In other words, OST is not about behavior change (in fact, I know of no 
OD methods that actually change behavior) but simply provides procedural 
support for the forces of selforganisation to act more strongly.
If I, however, tell a sponsor/client/customer that OST is a remedy for 
fixing internal conflicts, I am in deep trouble mainly because I have 
missed the point about OST.
In my practice, many things are possible when selforganisation acts, and 
it is very common that internal conflicts are aired and dealt with the 
first time in the life of an organisation or community when working with 
OST.

Have a great holiday season
mmp

On 19.12.2012 02:17, Kári Gunnarsson wrote:
> Is Open Space not working when there are many internal conflicts?
>
> This is stated in one of the reports from the Wosonos2012 "The limits
> of Open Space"
>
> I believed that the passion fueling the conflict was the stuff that
> fuels the Open Space activities and without this fuel nothing real
> will happen for nobody will care sufficiently to have an opinion or
> take up a conflict.
>
> I am not able image the case where the many internal conflicts will
> inhibit the Open Space if the preconditions are fulfilled, perhaps
> someone could enlighten me about such a case.
>
> Is there a different approach that is better for such condition, will
> nothing work or will Open Space work?
>
> with love from Iceland and with a hope for an answer
> Kári.
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-- 
Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1, 12209 Berlin, Germany
++49 - 30-772 8000



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