Developing A Theory of Action for Group Model Building Facilitation– Insights from the Field of Action Science

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2017-07-13
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en
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Abstract
Group model building (GMB) is an approach of engaging stakeholders in building system dynamics models to address complex problems. Among the roles supporting the modeling session, the facilitator is the most crucial one; to facilitate GMB sessions, facilitators need several skills and attitudes, and it was stated that the attitudes are more important for the effectiveness of the facilitator. However, GMB facilitators may not able to hold those attitudes during their facilitation, especially when facing difficult situations such as conflict. Accordingly, this research aims to develop a theory of action for GMB facilitation so as to help facilitators to put the facilitator’s attitudes into action. To develop the theory of action, a preliminary version was derived by reviewing literatures from the fields of system dynamics (including GMB) and action science. Besides, this research also studied how GMB facilitators respond to difficult situations during their facilitation. The reason of focusing on difficult situations is that the effectiveness of a facilitator might be challenged the most in those situations. Afterward, the theory of action was revised based on the insights from empirical findings. Finally, several suggestions based on the literature review and empirical findings were provided for GMB facilitators and GMB training.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen