Harrison Owen
Harrison Owen
Full Name and Common Aliases
Harrison Owen is a renowned American author, consultant, and expert in the fields of organizational development and community building.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 10, 1939, Harrison Owen passed away on October 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence individuals worldwide.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Owen's nationality is American, and he has worked as an author, consultant, facilitator, and organizational development expert throughout his career. His work spans various sectors, including business, non-profit, education, and community organizations.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued social justice and community service, Harrison Owen was instilled with the importance of contributing to society from an early age. He attended Yale University, where he developed his interest in organizational behavior and human development. After college, Owen worked as a facilitator and consultant for various organizations, eventually leading him to develop the concept of Open Space Technology (OST).
Major Accomplishments
One of Harrison Owen's most significant contributions is the creation of Open Space Technology, a method for facilitating large-group meetings and conferences that allows participants to take ownership of their learning and decision-making processes. This approach has been widely adopted in various sectors, including business, education, and community development.
Owen's other notable accomplishments include:
Developing the concept of "Self-Organizing Systems," which posits that human systems can function more effectively when they are allowed to self-organize around shared goals and interests.
Creating the Open Space World Conference, an annual gathering of individuals from diverse backgrounds who come together to share knowledge and experiences related to community building and organizational development.
Notable Works or Actions
Harrison Owen has authored several books on organizational development, community building, and leadership. Some of his notable works include:
"Open Space Technology: A User's Guide," which provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of OST.
"The Open Book of Leadership," which explores the role of leaders in creating self-organizing systems.
Impact and Legacy
Harrison Owen's work has had a profound impact on organizational development and community building. His ideas have influenced countless individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide, promoting more effective collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility.
Owen's legacy extends beyond his specific contributions to the fields of organizational development and community building. He has inspired a new generation of leaders and change-makers who are committed to creating more just, equitable, and sustainable societies.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Harrison Owen is widely quoted and remembered for his innovative approach to organizational development and community building. His ideas have been featured in numerous publications, including the Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. He has also been recognized as a leading expert in his field, with awards from organizations such as the Association for Management Consulting.
Overall, Harrison Owen's remarkable life and work continue to inspire and influence individuals worldwide. His commitment to creating more effective and sustainable human systems remains an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Harrison Owen
Harrison Owen's insights on:
Peace of the sort that brings wholeness, harmony, and health to our lives only happens when chaos, confusion, and conflict are included and transcended.
Change is a journey and the journey is always about change. And if there is no change, why bother with the journey? And the best journeys require lots of space of one sort or another. So for great journeys – just open space.
Up until now, some of us actually thought that we created and organized the systems in which we work. But should it turn out that natural system…are truly self-organizing, much of that effort was wasted.
…most of the ways in which we know how to engineer change…are not effective. Given a…logical problem to solve, we are superb… But…the fundamental premises are different, which means that our logic is without power.
Open some space, and Spirit will certainly show up. Allow the magic of self-organization to work for you, and the complex adaptive system that we are will find its own power.
It would seem that most everything we do in the name of organizational effectiveness is antithetical to what Life requires