Methods
Whole Scale Change
Whole Scale Change is a powerful approach to organizational transformation, developed and refined by Dannemiller Tyson Associates in the late 1990s. It focuses on engaging the entire system—bringing together stakeholders from all levels to co-create solutions and share ownership of the change process. Central to Whole Scale Change is the idea of the “microcosm,” where small groups simulate larger systems, allowing for deeper insights and collective action. The approach also emphasizes large group interventions, where diverse voices come together to plan and commit to shared goals. This method is particularly effective in fostering collaboration, creating alignment, and driving systemic change within organizations.
LEGO Serious Play
LEGO® Serious Play is a facilitated meeting and problem-solving method developed by the LEGO Group in the early 2000s. It encourages participants to build models using LEGO bricks to represent ideas, challenges, and solutions. This hands-on, visual approach taps into creativity and collective intelligence, enabling participants to think differently and engage more deeply. The method uses storytelling and reflection to help individuals and teams explore complex problems, build shared understanding, and develop innovative solutions. It’s particularly useful for fostering engagement, improving communication, and enhancing collaboration within organizations.
Art of Hosting
The Art of Hosting is a participatory leadership approach that originated in the early 2000s, drawing on indigenous wisdom and modern organizational development principles. It emphasizes the power of dialogue, co-creation, and collective intelligence to address complex challenges. Key methods include circle processes, world café, open space technology, and appreciative inquiry. The Art of Hosting can be used by public administration and third-sector organizations to facilitate inclusive decision-making processes, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and generate innovative solutions to community issues.
Anti-Oppression
Anti-Oppression is a framework rooted in social justice and equity principles, aiming to identify and challenge systems of oppression and privilege. It emerged from social movements advocating for equality and liberation, with roots in feminist, anti-racist, and queer liberation theories. Key aspects include critical consciousness-raising, intersectionality, and allyship. Methods include privilege walks, power mapping, and reflective dialogues. Anti-Oppression can be used by public administration and third-sector organizations to address systemic inequalities, promote diversity and inclusion, and create more equitable policies and practices.
Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Inquiry is a strengths-based approach to organizational development and change management, developed in the 1980s by David Cooperrider and colleagues. It focuses on identifying and amplifying what works well within an organization, rather than fixing problems. Key aspects include positive reframing, generative dialogue, and co-creation of visions. Methods include appreciative interviews, storytelling, and future search conferences. Appreciative Inquiry can be used by public administration and third-sector organizations to inspire innovation, build on existing assets and strengths, and foster a culture of collaboration and positivity.
Liberating Structures
Liberating Structures are a set of facilitation techniques designed to unleash creativity, engagement, and inclusion in group settings. Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, they offer a menu of methods that challenge traditional power dynamics and enable everyone to contribute. Key aspects include distributed leadership, simple rules, and rapid cycles of interaction. Methods include 1-2-4-all, fishbowl conversations, and TRIZ. Liberating Structures can be used to democratize decision-making processes, amplify diverse voices, and unlock collective intelligence for problem-solving and innovation.
ABCD
ABCD: Asset-Based Community Development is an approach to community development that focuses on leveraging local assets, strengths, and resources to drive positive change. It was developed by John L. McKnight and Jody Kretzmann in the 1990s as an alternative to needs-based approaches. Key aspects include asset mapping, capacity-building, and grassroots organizing. Methods include community asset mapping, appreciative inquiry, and social network analysis. ABCD can be used by public administration and third-sector organizations to empower communities, build social capital, and promote sustainable development from within.
Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation and problem-solving that originated in the design field but has since been applied across various disciplines. It emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iterative prototyping to address complex challenges. Key aspects include user research, ideation, and rapid experimentation. Methods include empathy mapping, journey mapping, and prototyping sessions. Design Thinking can be used by public administration and third-sector organizations to develop citizen-centric policies and services, co-create solutions with stakeholders, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.