4. Realizing transformative dialogue

Abstract

Drawing from a social constructionist theory and its related practices, we propose the realization of transformative dialogue, a form of dialogue that may bring conflicting communities into more viable forms of coordination. We outline a range of conversational resources stressing relational responsibility, self-expression, affirmation, coordination, reflexivity, and the co-creation of new realities. The analysis is further extended through a case study of improvisation and organizational change. There is no attempt in the present article to suggest a set of relational rules. The attempt is to generate a potentially useful vocabulary of action, rather than a set of rules for negotiating among incommensurate realities.

Citation

Gergen, K.J., McNamee, S. and Barrett, F.J. (2002), "4. Realizing transformative dialogue", Roberts, N.C. (Ed.) The Transformative Power of Dialogue (Research in Public Policy Analysis and Management, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 77-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0732-1317(02)12006-9