Context and Goal
 
The client, a service organisation that represents the rights of employees and workers, has been challenged to launch a cultural transformation process and come up with innovative problem-solving strategies aimed at improving conditions at work. Our task was to provide a peer exchange platform where people could collaborate across hierarchical, disciplinary, and organisational boundaries and develop innovative strategies together. We were asked to initiate and launch 5 transformative communities of practice (CoP) in the field of organisational health issues; equal opportunities; personnel development programmes; sustainability matters; and temporary work. We supported CoP Members across organisational boundaries in identifying their problems as well as in developing practical solutions and defining concrete action steps.
 
The Method
 
We applied a toolbox with systemic interventions. The process was based on action research, trial and error, and peer exchange learning. In close cooperation with the host, we set up 5 cross-organisational communities of practice (CoP). The domains were defined by the CoP members. We kicked off with a world cafe setting and defined five domains that participants considered relevant: precarious work conditions, occupational health issues, training and development programmes for workers, corporate social responsibility, and working conditions in healthcare occupations. In regular follow-up meetings, members of the individual CoPs worked out a mission statement, did a stakeholder analysis, and developed concrete action steps. 
 
Benefits for CoP Members
 
CoP members had the opportunity to connect with peers across organisational boundaries so that they could reach beyond their organisational silos and access new expertise. Thanks to trust and mutual respect, which is characteristic of CoP environments, they felt comfortable sharing their thoughts openly across hierarchies and organisational cultures. They felt empowered and motivated to take action and effect change in their real work environment.
 
For more information, please contact Christina Merl.