Where & How OST Is Used

Open Space Technology is used for almost any business issue including:

• Strategic direction setting
• Envisioning the future
• Identifying the issues and opportunities to realize the desired future
• Conflict resolution
• Morale building
• Organizational transformation to a high performing and high learning organization

Open Space Technology meetings positively affect the bottom line, whether the bottom line is profits or improved services.

When is Open Space Technology the best meeting format to use?

Any organizational situation in which there is:

• A real issue of concern
• Diversity of players
• Complexity of elements
• Presence of passion (conflict is an element of passion)
• Decision time is now

Open Space Technology is appropriate when:

• An existing organization needs re-energizing
• Creative planning needs to be done quickly
• An organization faces challenges that need immediate action
• Communication needs to improve
• A wide variety of issues need to be dealt with
• Opportunities for the future need to be explored
• An organization is in its embryonic stage, to enable it to develop its vision and structure quickly
• Individual interests with a group appear to be quite diverse
• A merger is required
• Public input is desired

Open Space Technology is NOT appropriate when:

• Specific outcomes are predetermined
• Existing leadership is not willing to make changes as a result of an event