{"title":"Reimagining Famagusta: The Dialogic Design Theory of Change in action","authors":"Romina Laouri, Ilke Dagli, Derya Beyatli, Marios Michaelides, Mustafa Damdelen, Yiannis Laouris","doi":"10.1007/s11213-024-09685-z","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study presents a dialogic design theory of change through a three-stage process—developing a shared vision, identifying challenges (Problématique), and formulating effective actions—illustrated by the \"Famagusta Revival Project\" in Cyprus. This action research project engaged participants in three Structured Democratic Dialogues to envision an ideal future for the deserted part of Famagusta, pinpoint obstacles, and devise an action plan. Key outcomes include the proposal of a tax-free, self-governed international hub under EU or UN oversight, the creation of a policy-guiding think tank, and a communication strategy to reframe Famagusta as a unified city. Participants identified critical barriers such as insufficient dialogue on citizenship and diversity, lack of proactive leadership, and the impact of the Annan Plan's rejection. Proposed actions focus on establishing think tanks and lobbying groups to influence government and EU policies, and organizing common activities bringing together more teams to create a better understanding and common approach. Amidst the backdrop of global challenges, this study underscores the importance of action-research-based dialogues and systems science in peacebuilding efforts, offering recommendations for applying these insights to frozen conflicts worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":51694,"journal":{"name":"Systemic Practice and Action Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0000,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Systemic Practice and Action Research","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-024-09685-z","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"MANAGEMENT","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study presents a dialogic design theory of change through a three-stage process—developing a shared vision, identifying challenges (Problématique), and formulating effective actions—illustrated by the "Famagusta Revival Project" in Cyprus. This action research project engaged participants in three Structured Democratic Dialogues to envision an ideal future for the deserted part of Famagusta, pinpoint obstacles, and devise an action plan. Key outcomes include the proposal of a tax-free, self-governed international hub under EU or UN oversight, the creation of a policy-guiding think tank, and a communication strategy to reframe Famagusta as a unified city. Participants identified critical barriers such as insufficient dialogue on citizenship and diversity, lack of proactive leadership, and the impact of the Annan Plan's rejection. Proposed actions focus on establishing think tanks and lobbying groups to influence government and EU policies, and organizing common activities bringing together more teams to create a better understanding and common approach. Amidst the backdrop of global challenges, this study underscores the importance of action-research-based dialogues and systems science in peacebuilding efforts, offering recommendations for applying these insights to frozen conflicts worldwide.
期刊介绍:
Systemic Practice and Action Research is dedicated to advancing deeper understandings of issues that confront the contemporary world, and better means for engaging with these issues for the benefit of individuals, organizations, communities and their natural environments. To this end, a fundamental rethink of the purposes and methods of science is needed, making it more systemic and action-orientated. The journal therefore seeks to make a substantial contribution to rethinking science as well as to the reflective application of systemic practice and action research in all types of organizational and social settings. This international journal is committed to nurturing wide-ranging conversations around both qualitative and technical approaches for the betterment of people''s lives and ways of working together. It seeks to influence policy and strategy in its advocacy of action research as a primary means to gain vision and leverage in wicked problem areas. All forms of investigation and reasoning are considered potentially suitable for publication, including personal experience. There are no priorities attached to settings for studies and no greater significance given to one methodological style over another - as long as the work demonstrates a reflective and systemic quality. The journal welcomes manuscripts that are original, are well written, and contain a vivid argument. Papers normally will demonstrate knowledge of existing literature. Full papers are normally between 5,000 – 10,000 words (although longer papers will not be excluded if the argument justifies the word count) and short papers are about 2,000 words. Notes and letters are welcomed for publication in the ''notes from the field'' and ''letters'' sections. A rigorous mentoring-based refereeing system is applied in all cases. Officially cited as: Syst Pract Action Res