Emergent Design for Generative Change

Dialogic Theory at Work

Published in the Spring 2023 issue of the Organization Development Review (Vol. 55, №1), my article, Emergent Design for Generative Change: Dialogic Theory at Work reflects the evolution in my theory and practice since writing Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity. The article describes a constructive approach to working with complex, conflicted systems, like organizations and communities. It applies theories of generative discourse and complexity to offer a straightforward process for designing dialogues that that strengthen relationships, cultivate community, and increase the likelihood of working together across divides to foster breakthroughs in thinking and innovations in outcomes.