The Handbook of Large Group Methods: Creating Systemic Change in Organizations and Communities

by Barbara Benedict Bunker, Billie T. Alban

Large Group Interventions are methods used to gather a whole system together to discuss and take action on the target agenda. That agenda varies from future plans, products, and services, to redesigning work, to discussion of troubling issues and problems. The Handbook of Large Group Methods takes the next step in demonstrating through a series of cases how Large Group Methods are currently being used to address twenty-first-century challenges in organizations and communities today, including:

480 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[NancyJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide for anyone who is involved in organization development, change management, strategic planning, facilitation and leadership. Most people in these fields know that participation is crucial for innovation, engagement and customer satisfaction, but fewer people know how to gain that participation. Many organizations or facilitators learn one way to facilitate a group process, and they stick with it, whether it fits or not. This book will open a world of possibilities. It provides many alternative ways to gain input, involvement, and commitment from employee groups, community groups or other stakeholders. It won't make you an expert in every method, but it is can help you to find the right method for your needs. It is an excellent place to start.

My review is partially based on an earlier edition of this book, which is now dog eared and marked up from frequent use. The newer edition offers many additional cases and examples. I think this is a useful handbook to have on hand for OD, consultants, trainers, HR, and particularly group facilitators. I also think it could be useful in elective college/grad courses in organization development, organization change, community change, group process, and consultation or facilitation skills.

[Brianna Olesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this text was that it showed the struggles and triumphs that a consultant may go through when attempting a whole organization change. It is great to hear from these consultants and how they changed current methods to fit their situations.