Hi Yeah, small world networks are definitely a big part of why Open Space works. Actually it's a big part of why the world works :o)
Mark Buchanan has written an excellent and highly readable book called "Small world" on this very new and very promising science. I've reviewed it here: http://www.kjerulf.com/journal/00000214.htm . Obvious parallels between small world networks and open space gatherings include: * Small world networks are highly adaptable, yet very stable - as are Open Space gatherings * The structure in small worlds networks arises without central planning - as in OS * Bumblebees can be seen as "weak connections" between tightly knit groups - one of the main reasons that small world networks are tightly knit Thanks for bringing this connection to my attention. I would like to take this chance to introduce myself on the list, since this is my first post. I'm Alexander, and I've started an organization in Denmark called "Project happiness at work". There's a little more info on that here: http://www.kjerulf.com/projectshappinessatwork.htm . I've been an active user of Open Space for 3 years, and the project's structure is based totally on OS. What excites me most about OS, is that it is the meeting form that does the best job of acknowledging the fact that we are individuals capable of making decisions for ourselves. Ie. OS acknowledges our basic human freedom and puts it to work. I also have a blog called "Positive Sharing" at http://www.kjerulf.com . Cheers Alexander -- Alexander Kjerulf www.kjerulf.com alexan...@kjerulf.com Tagensvej 126, lejl. 102 2200 København N. +45 2688 2373 Peggy Holman wrote:
Thought I'd offer up something Kenoli posted on the future search listserv. Might tickle a few chords here. (Hi Kenoli) from cold, cloudy Seattle, Peggy ----- Original Message ----- *From:* kenoli Oleari <mailto:ken...@igc.org> *To:* future search <mailto:search...@list.nea.org> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 23, 2003 7:42 AM *Subject:* [searchnet] The Math of Networks AT our recent West Coast Future Search Network meeting, we had a couple of learnings and insights I wanted to share with this list, hoping to hear your reflections. I am going to send them in separate emails in order to encourage a dialog on each of them. The first was brought to us by Jerry Talley, a new participant in the group who we hope to see much more of. The reflection was one based on an aspect of networks with which he was familiar. It is interesting because it gives a possible mathematical model for "why" future search works. Jerry is going to send some information on actually quantifying the dynamics described below. --Kenoli =========================================================== The Math of Networks (from Jerry Talley) Recent research in complexity theory and the properties of networks has given us a sharper understanding of how some FS strategies actually work. The starting point is the well documented "small world phenomena"; it was popularized in the movie "The Six Degrees of Separation". It turns out that virtually any 2 people on the planet are separated by about 6 links of association. That is, a rug merchant in the Middle East can connect to a rural farmer in China in about 6 jumps. There are other examples of the small world phenomena. The human brain is organized in the same way. Because of that, the brain can mount an almost instantaneous subjective experience encompassing memory, sensation, emotion, anticipated futures, emotions, and more. The infrastructure of the internet has the same structure. As a result, massive amounts of information can move quickly and easily. Networks which have this special structure are more adaptive and innovative than we would ever imagine possible. This special structure is easy to characterize. There are clusters of associations (like people who known by hundreds, like the optical processing center in the brain, or like eBay on the Internet). And then the really special element is added on top of these clusters: there is a few long links. The occasional long link ties the network together. Rather than isolated clusters, the network is suddenly almost alive. In fact, the structure of the relationships takes the whole network through an abrupt and critical shift. The increase in links produces a disproportionate increase in capability. In summary, one of the most powerful results of a FS conference may be the creation of long links between previously isolated clusters. People from different departments. People from different ethnic communities. People from distant perspectives. When they start talking to each other, the "network" quickly becomes supercritical. The increased capability means greater adaptability, the ability to hold complex or even conflicted conversations, and greater innovation. -- Kenoli Oleari, Horizons of Change, http://www.horizonsofchange.com 1801 Fairview Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 Voice Phone: 510-601-8217, Fax: 510-595-8369, Email: ken...@igc.org (or click on: mailto:ken...@igc.org) Post messages to: search...@list.nea.org Want to leave the list? Type this text in your To field: searchnet-...@list.nea.org The administrator of this list is Corene Williams (owner-search...@list.nea.org). This list conforms to the Acceptable Use Policy of the National Education Association for electronic mailing lists. To receive a copy of that Policy, send an email to list-...@list.nea.org). You are currently subscribed to searchnet as: pe...@opencirclecompany.com * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
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