Numerous participatory approaches to action on complex issues have emerged in recent years. One approach, the Future Search conference, is said to build a shared vision and rapid action by diverse stakeholders. This article reports on a detailed qualitative analysis of a Future Search conference on repetitive strain injuries, an ambiguous, conflictridden, and systemic problem. The Future Search encouraged the expression of diverse perspectives and mapped a certain domain of common ground. It stimulated various kinds of action, enhanced stakeholder involvement and awareness, and increased commitment to multistakeholder dialogue and action. Several weaknesses of the Future Search model are identified. Specifically, this study suggests the need for more participant clarity about what is expected, a more solid framework to support follow-up action, greater explicitness about what constitutes common ground, and more time for common-ground building and action planning.
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