Patterns & Metaphors

Dissidence

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The manner in which dissidence is handled is crucial for the effectiveness of a conference. This process begins with recruitment. It is the process of creating understanding of what the programme is about before participants arrive. Familiarity with the methods used helps participants function effectively. The development of conceptual frameworks or screens by all or most of the participants before the event, helps create commitment to the success of the event, common understanding of the perspective being suggested and camaraderie among participants.
Dissidence arising in the midst of the event itself has to be carefully evaluated. First of all, much of the dissidence is invisible. People who disagree with majority opinions most often do not participate or just leave early. The more vocal type is more noticeable. Once organizers have noticed dissident opinions, they must decide if objections are valid or not. Most often vocal dissent is helpful because it can be analyzed and responded to in some way. If the objection has to do with a minor issue, then often an announcement of change suffices to resolve the issue. If the objection is of such magnitude that the intent of the conference is being challenged then it may be that in a small conference everyone reconsiders the direction in a plenary session. If the conference involves several hundred people, then the organizers and dissidents may need to rethink the intent as an ad hoc committee. It is important that the process of altering the intent of the conference be done rapidly enough to permit the conference to reach some conclusion in the time available.
When the dissidence is toward creative resolution of issues that are valid within the scope of the programme, then it is incumbent upon the organizers and dissidents to create a resolution of the conflict. If, however, the dissidence is simply disruptive, then the organizers must find a way of minimizing its impact for the sake of the larger group. Simply permitting the event to be disrupted for the sake of a few does not serve the group as a whole. Nor is it helpful to ignore authentic dissidence simply for the sake of continuing the event.