Change-works: reflections from relational constructionism KRAFT workshop Vaxjo Oct 2004 dian_marie_hosking USBO, University of Utrecht

activity Individual reflection: –How do you see your relationship with your client group? Think of a metaphor or image to convey this & a short case illustration. Group discussion –Share your story with your group –Look for & summarise diverse themes Plenary sharing

Knowledge of what’s real knower as detached observer collecting ‘data’ & producing objective knowledge dominant discourses: –what’s real & true –representation of reality

Knowledge, reality & change work Change work based on objective knowledge of what is & should be ‘change agent(s)’ who is –more knowing than the locals (the expert) –designs & manages the intervention –evaluates the outcomes

Implicit view of change processes & relations Processes: –between entities –sequential, linear with feedback –can be designed –Outcomes: results of processes –language: representational function Subject-Object relations

Imperfect knowledge of reality constructivism: –emphasizes the constructive power of mind knowledge: –imperfect representation –sense making thought style: –as before but –knower is part of what is known change work: as before

relational constructionism reality: –(re)constructed in inter-action processes –co-constructed –neither subjective nor objective but relational –multiple, local, historical realities –ontology given to processes language: –is performative –a local-cultural practice or ‘form of life’ scientific interests: –what & how of reality construction processes

Assuming relational processes centers language-based processes of relating –e.g. conversations... –inter-relating words, pictures, actions, symbols... relational processes make –Self-Other (persons & worlds) as relational unities ‘becoming realism’

change work as a relational process self & other & relationship –can be (re)constructed in S-O relations –but do not have to be and constructionism offers additional ways of self & world making

Interactions that may avoid S-O: orient to possibilities are open to multiple constructions of what is real & good (appreciative & dialogical) include reflexivity in the process create ‘power to’ go on in different but equal relations

Open to possibilities rather than problems provoking & inviting forward-looking opening-up rather than closing down playing not planning improvising/creative rather than rational decision-making

Open to multiple constructions joint action, not consensus sharing narratives (con-textualized meanings) what we can do differences = good data listening open expression of purpose & commitment - not polite avoidance… dialogue

dialogue is a special kind of social process –working with tacit knowledge & –multiplicity, & –reflection debate is individualised action –win-lose –each remains unchanged –dominance or false consensus

Dialogue & debate: questions & approach how to avoid destructive debate? how to open-up new possibilities one approach: –block ‘old’ performances –foster hopes, new possibilities –tacitly learn how to have a different kind of conversation…

Dialogue: some common procedural rules Suspend assumptions Observe the observer Listen to your listening Slow down the inquiry Be aware of thought Befriend polarisation …

appreciating recognising –fact & value are joined –accepting difference there’s always something that works, what we focus on becomes reality, the language we use plays a part in this, asking questions changes things, pasts get carried forward…so carry forward the best… gives comfort & support to the journey, multiple realities are in ongoing construction, open to multiplicity…

reflexivity in the process not an individual act of the change agent (expert), ‘after the process has finished’, but a relational process ongoing reflecting on the ‘how’ of relating & its relation to ‘what’

‘power to’ alternative to ‘power-over’ going on in ‘different but equal’ relation - local development… –learning as a local, community-based affair multiple voices & dialogue