CHAPTER 14 Whole‐System Discovery Flashcards
What is the primary focus of the whole-system discovery approach?
Involve the whole client system directly in redefining the problem, naming a desired future, outlining alternative actions, and deciding how to proceed.
What is a first-party or whole-system discovery strategy?
A method where the people doing the discovery and making recommendations are the same people who will implement the change.
What does the term ‘whole system’ imply in the context of this methodology?
It means involving representatives from all parts of a system, but not literally everyone.
What is the main advantage of a whole-system approach over a third-party approach?
It allows for a more self-managing change effort by engaging those who will be affected by the change.
What is the limitation of third-party consulting?
The separation between discovery and doing can lead to challenges in implementing recommendations.
True or False: Third-party consultants provide an independent point of view.
True
What is often a flaw in the rationale for employing a third-party approach?
The assumption that there is a right answer to the problem and that the consultant knows it.
What is the essence of whole-system discovery?
Getting everyone in the room at the same time to enhance community and share information.
Fill in the blank: The technique of bringing a large number of people together to assess the situation is often called _______.
large-group methodology
What are some conditions necessary for a successful whole-system approach?
- Management transparency
- Full participation of management
- Level playing field
- Employee willingness to speak up
- Emphasis on future creation
What is expected from employees during a whole-system discovery session?
To suspend caution and cynicism and actively participate in co-creating solutions.
What role do consultants take in a whole-system approach?
They conduct people through a highly participatory series of steps rather than analyzing data and making recommendations.
What is a key benefit of using a whole-system strategy?
It builds the capacity of the organization to manage itself in the future.
What does the whole-system approach affirm regarding questions and answers?
Questions are more powerful than answers.
What is one method mentioned for implementing a whole-system approach?
Open Space Technology
What are some questions that engage people in co-creating an alternative future?
- What is the change that we want to participate in creating together?
- What can we create together that we cannot create alone?
- What doubts do we have that anything can be different?
What is the role of management in a whole-system discovery process?
To be transparent, join as full participants, and engage in the process without asserting superiority.
What should the session end with in a whole-system approach?
Agreements on next steps and assignments of responsibilities.
