Reviews and Commentary
From The Publisher:
The Search Conference is not just another management tool, but a participative approach to
planned change that engages the collective learning and creativity of large groups,
inspiring people
to find common ground around new strategies, future directions, and joint actions. The
process
combines the best practices associated with strategic planning, systems thinking, and
effective
group communications - enabling participants to take part fully, rise above self-interest,
and make
decisions for the common good. Written by Search Conference pioneer Merrelyn Emery and
Ronald Purser, this book uses a wealth of illustrative examples from a wide variety of
nonprofit,
business, and public organizations that attest to the versatility of this important
organization
development intervention.
Table of Contents
Preface
The Authors
1-- Learning and Planning Our Way to Desirable Futures
2-- Uses and Advantages of Search Conference Methods
3-- Planning in Stable and Turbulent Environments
4-- Open Systems Thinking and the Power of Human
Ideals
5--The Strength of Democratic Learning
6--Conditions for Creative Collaboration
7--Planning for Success
8--Designing the Search Conference for Effectiveness
9--Managing the Search Conference
10--The Search Conference Step-by-Step
Conclusion: Beyond Stagnation and Stalemate
Epilogue by Fred Emery
Resources
Appendix: History of the Search Conference
References
307
Index
315
