This thesis explores the quality and sustainability of facilitated co-operative processes in organisations, and the difficulties and opportunities associated with this way of working. Three complementary research methods have been used: a survey, an Internet dialogue and a co-operative inquiry of facilitators, managers and academics. The survey revealed that facilitators have diverse and sometimes contradictory approaches to their organisational work, co-operative processes are not easy to sustain within hierarchical organisations, and that facilitator ethics need clarification. The development of a Statement of Values and Code of Ethics by the International Association of Facilitators formed the content for the Internet dialogue part of this research. The co-operative inquiry highlighted that sustainable co-operation depends on embodied whole people connecting with love and compassion, and with the commitment and courage to speak their own truth and deeply engage with the collective wisdom of the group. It is shown that co-operative organisational forms, methods, processes, values and ethics are only part of what is needed to support co-operative endeavour. Underpinning all of these are ways of being that are learnt through modelling and mutually supportive interactions between persons in relationship. These ways of being need to be transmitted along with conceptual frameworks, processes and methods for 'co-operacy' to be sustainable in groups and organisations
Date of Award | 2003 |
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Original language | English |
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- group relations training
- group facilitation
- interpersonal relations
Facilitation of sustainable co-operative processes in organisations
Hunter, D. (Author). 2003
Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis