Sparking cultural transformation through dialogue

Abstract

This study explores the transformational potential of dialogue to spark cultural change. Our society faces critical environmental challenges, and numerous studies demonstrate the power of dialogue to engage individuals in environmental issues. This qualitative study further investigates that potential, based on interviews with nine experts in leading and facilitating dialogue. The interviewees shared their insights on how dialogue can help individuals reimagine opportunities for action and change and expand their awareness of possible paths toward a more sustainable society. The findings led to a vision of dialogue as a powerful process for: expanding participants’ understanding of the complexity of an issue being discussed; facilitating opportunities for participants to uncover shared values, so they are more open to each other’s perspectives; increasing participants’ capacity to validate multiple perspectives; and creating a space for participants to work together collaboratively, to allow new solutions to emerge.

Keywords: dialogue; environmental issues; sustainability; Coordinated Management of Meaning; Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations; transformative learning theory; Theory U; presence; presencing; integrative values