Open Space Technology: A User's Guide [Paperback]

Open Space Technology: A User’s Guideis just what the name implies: a hands-on, detailed description of facilitating Open Space Technology (OST). OST is an effective, economical, fast, and easily repeatable strategy for organizing meetings of between 5 and 2,000 participants that has been used in thousands of organizations in 134 countries and just keeps growing in popularity. Written by the originator of the method, this is the most authoritative book on the rationale, procedures, and requirements of OST.

OST enables self-organizing groups of all sizes to deal with hugely complex issues in a very short period of time. This step-by-step user’s guide details what needs to be done before, during, and after an Open Space event.

Harrison Owen details all the practical considerations necessary to create Open Space. He begins with the most important question—should you use Open Space at all?—and examines what types of situations are appropriate for Open Space Technology and what types are not. He then goes on to look at nuts-and-bolts issues such as supplies, logistics, and who should come and how you should go about getting them there.

This third edition adds a survey of the current status of Open Space Technology around the world, an updated section on the latest available technology for report writing (a key aspect of the Open Space process), and an updated list of resources.Preface to the Third Edition

Chapter I Open Space Technology?
The Genesis of Open Space Technology
Experience to Date
Coming Attractions

Chapter II Preparation
Appropriateness
It Always Works
Working with The Client if you are NOT the Sponsor
Focus and Intent
The Group
How Many?
The Invitation
Time and Space
OST in Combination
Space
Other Considerations—Like When Do We Eat?
Supplies
Consultation with the Facility Management
Checklist for Open Space

Chapter III Proceel3¦