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Methodologies and process
The Methodologies Used: Future search and Appreciative inquiry
CHAPTER 2
RNTC chose to combine two methodologies that are used in open space settings
for the purpose of this conference: Future Search and Appreciative Inquiry. Both
methodologies are used to facilitate interaction in large groups, ensuring that
everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to articulate their point of view.
Future Search methodology is often used by RNTC in the first stage of a project to
bring all the stakeholders together, generate broad support and create a common
understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders.
Appreciative Inquiry is a particular way of asking questions and envisioning the
future that fosters positive relationships and builds on the basic strengths and
goodwill in a person, a situation or an organisation. By doing so, it enhances the
capacity for change.
More background information about these methodologies can be found in the
appendix to this report.
The facilitators for the conference were Kees Jan Bender and Han Rakels, both of
whom have extensive experience in working with open space methodologies and
are – through their involvement with RNTC in the past - familiar with the context of
media and development.
The Process
The process adopted at the conference followed the four stages of Discovery,
Dream, Design and Destiny defined in the methodology of Appreciative Inquiry (see
appendix) as the 4D cycle:
Discovery:
The process began by asking the participants to tell stories about their experiences
of success and relate these stories to their dreams for the future. The storytelling
set out to capture individual experiences and aspirations in order to build and
Media and Development | Chapter 2 Methodologies and process 9