Co-laboratories of democracy: How people harness their collective wisdom to create the future
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Co-laboratories of democracy: How people harness their collective wisdom to create the future by Alexander (Aleco) Christakis and Kenneth Bausch is probably the first book which exemplifies the theory and application of Dialogic Design Science.
About the Book
We have all experienced the benefits of dialogue when we openly and thoughtfully confront issues. We have also experienced the frustration of interminable discussion that does not lead to progress. Co-Laboratories of Democracy enable large, diverse groups to dialogue and generate positive results. Many group processes engender enthusiasm and good feeling as people share their concerns and hopes with each other. Co-Laboratories go beyond this initial euphoria to:
- Discover root causes;
- Adopt consensual action plans;
- Develop teams dedicated to implementing those plans; and
- Generate lasting bonds of respect, trust, and cooperation.
Co-Laboratories achieve these results by respecting the autonomy of all participants and utilizing an array of consensus tools, including discipline, technology and graphics that allow the stakeholders to control the discussion.
Co-Laboratories of democracy are a refinement of Interactive Management, a decision and design methodology developed by John N Warfield to deal with very complex situations involving diverse stakeholders. It has been successfully employed all over the world in situations of uncertainty and conflict. On Cyprus, for example, it has been used to bridge the divide between the Turkish and Greek factions on the island[1] [2] [3] [4]. Co-Laboratories, in one day, can draw together a diverse group of people on an issue, elicit authentic feelings and respectful listening, generate agreed-upon language, and identify leverage points for effective action. Participants are able to generate a consensual action plan. Co-Laboratories generate real respect, understanding, and cooperation among participants and do it rapidly.
References
- ↑ Broome, B. J. (1998). Overview of conflict resolution activities in Cyprus: Their contribution to the peace process. Cyprus Review, 10(1), 47-66.
- ↑ Broome, B. J. (2004). Reaching across the dividing line: Building a collective vision for peace in Cyprus. Journal of Peace Research, 41(2), 191-209.
- ↑ Laouris, Y., Michaelides, M., Damdelen, M., Laouri, R., Beyatli, D., & Christakis, A. (2009). A systemic evaluation of the state of affairs following the negative outcome of the referendum in Cyprus using the structured dialogic design process. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 22(1), 45-75.
- ↑ Laouris, Y., Erel, A., Michaelides, M., Damdelen, M., Taraszow, T., Dagli, I., ... & Christakis, A. (2009). Exploring options for enhancement of social dialogue between the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus using the Structured Dialogic Design Process. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 22(5), 361-381.