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The major features of large-scale, real-time change management process include:
SOME MAJOR LARGE GROUP APPROACHES
Dannemiller-Tyson Interactive Strategic Planning
The theory of the Dannemiller approach is based on a formula that Beckhard and Harris (1987) attribute to David Gleicher:
This means that three components must all be present to overcome the resistance to change in an organization: Dissatisfaction with the present situation, a Vision of what is possible in the future, and achievable First steps towards reaching this vision. If any of the three is zero or near zero, the product will also be zero or near zero and the resistance to change will dominate. The purposes of these OD interventions are to bring approaches to the organization that will enable these three components to surface so that the process of change can begin.
They also use the strategy suggested by Drucker (1974) of converting words into actions. They believe that there should be a common activity focus which is highly reactive, yet highly directive from above. Their focus is on results, on prioritizing choices, and on keeping the participants from feeling overwhelmed.
Dannemiller also cites an "Arthritic Model" of organizations. This refers to an "organizational arthritis" where there are blockages at every joint of the traditional management-structure pyramid. Their task is to exercise the organization so that change is not only possible but is inherent in the structure and design of the organization.
Their process is to first develop a database of the current reality. This is accomplished by getting views from the customer, the leaders, workers throughout the corporation, and their industry. They then proceed to organizational diagnosis -- identifying the problems that are impeding change and progress.
They send "valentines" to each other -- messages covering what they appreciate from each other, and what is needed for others to help each of them to do their jobs in a more productive way.
The rest of the Dannemiller approach involves setting strategy and gathering and processing feedback on this strategy. They use a method of "preferred futuring" (much like Weisbord, below), and concentrate on action planning to secure commitments to make the proposed strategy develop into reality.
Weisbord's conference is designed to define and move towards the preferred future, through finding common ground among the diverse participants. The preferred future approach involves an examination of the past, present, and future -- for the whole system. Weisbord also uses a planning team approach to define and focus on the stakeholders. The Future Search Conference is based on Asch's conditions for effective dialogue (1952), with an emphasis on finding common ground. The process involves looking at the past -- examining the state of the people, the business, the industry, and the global environment. It also looks at the present -- examining events that shape their reality. Weisbord uses "prouds and sorries", a look at successes and failures in the organization, to develop scenarios of their preferred future (keeping some of the past, changing where needed for the future). And, like other practitioners, Weisbord puts an emphasis on action planning to define the steps that will be taken so that the process does not end with the conference itself but is translated into future action steps.
Axelrod's conferences are fast, and highly-participative. Axelrod also uses a thorough planning approach, using a steering committee, a data assist team, and a walk-through (a "staging") in advance of the meeting. His approach is customer-focused, concentrates on the technical work flow, and develops a preferred design for the organization.
The theory behind the Conference Model includes Socio-Technical Theory, search theory, and experiential/creative methods.
Axelrod's process involves four conferences:
Part of the planning for Open Space involves open facilities, an open agenda, breakout rooms, and blank walls.
The approach of this method can be characterized as relevant, emerging, creative, and self- shaping with personal responsibility for self learning.
The Open Space model is based on the use of ground rules, focusing on the "here and now", and is partially based on Chaos Theory (see Wheatley, 1992) to have order emerge from an apparent lack of planning, structure, and order.
The process involves networking, clearly stating meeting themes, identifying and posting issues, breakout discussions, and sharing in the whole group. Owen summarizes his method as:
The ICA approach can be characterized as participative, creative, fast, action-oriented, and synergistic. The ICA model is based on Spencer's Dialogue, on community building, participation, and especially empowerment.
The process involves an environmental scan, followed by developing a shared vision (of what they see in place). They look for contradictions (what is blocking them from reaching their vision). They then set a strategic direction, by dealing with these blocks and moving their vision forward. They are heavy into setting action plans, with a 90 day calendar for implementation.
They have a process for discussion (structured conversation), for workshops, and for action planning. It is a very useful approach to design and implement facilitation in a diverse variety of settings.
The ICA approach is very people-centered. It puts an emphasis on ambiance, on environment, and on personal involvement of the participants. It is the closest of all of these approaches to incorporating both spiritual and humanistic components into OD.
OTHER LARGE GROUP APPROACHES:
Simu-Real. Don Klein (1992) has developed a method involving a combination of reality and simulation for large-group interventions.
The Mobius Model. Bill Stockton (1985) and Marjorie Herdes developed the Mobius Model for large-group interaction. The model is a guide to the assessment and design of appropriate OD interventions; it is not a plan for the events themselves. It is a model which can also serve as a real-time guide to facilitating during these events. It works very well in integrating spiritual and community approaches to the technology of large-scale processes. Some of their methodology has its roots in the ICA Strategic Planning Approach.
The Mobius Model, like a mobius strip, has no difference between the inside and the outside. It promotes wholeness, there being no difference between who you are and what you do (congruence). It reflects internal dialogue, as people follow their own internal voices, their anger and their fears. It develops understanding, by bringing the inside (the covert, suppressed truth) to the outside (as overt, shared data and understanding).
World Healing Model. Bob Rouda (1995) has developed a revolutionary model based on a combination of ancient and modern wisdom applied to repairing the world. This begins with ourselves and progresses through organizations to communities and our ecological system. This model is guaranteed produce long-term results, but this success requires that the details of the theory and methodology not be revealed in advance. Trust me.