Future search: Finding common ground in organizations and communities

This paper describes the goals and methods of the future search conference, a large group planning meeting for people seeking common ground for action in organizations and communities. Underlying assumptions and an overview of the approach are provided. Next case studies describing outcomes of future searches in various organizations and communities are discussed. Limitations of the approach are outlined as well. Distinctions between future search and traditional organization development strategies are discussed next. The authors conclude by describing the paper as a progress report on an approach with much promise.