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| Criterion |  Facilitation World Café |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Facilitation Open Space Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | When a complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 60-180 min | 45-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 0.5-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 12-100+ | 8-80 | 5-15 | 20-500+ |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy |