World Café method

A world café is an in-depth research method that allows you to engage in conversation with various stakeholders about specific topics. This method is often used by organizations seeking deeper insights and innovative solutions. The purpose of a world café is to facilitate an interactive conversation in which participants share their thoughts and experiences. This allows you to gather valuable insights that help you formulate effective strategies and policies.

To organize a successful World Café, you need a diverse group of participants representing different perspectives. The session is set up with thematic tables, each focusing on a specific topic. Participants write their insights and ideas directly on a tablecloth divided into sections. During the session, participants rotate between tables, building on previous discussions and contributing to a collective understanding of the theme. This results in a structured yet flexible method for generating in-depth and practical insights.

What are the benefits of a world café?

A world café offers valuable insights into the perspectives and needs of various stakeholders. It reveals how participants feel about specific topics and what ideas are circulating within the group. The method makes it possible to identify common challenges and formulate solutions based on shared knowledge. The interactive nature of a world café creates a dynamic and open discussion in which participants feel heard and can speak freely.

In addition, a world café offers the opportunity to explore scenarios and test the feasibility of different ideas. For example: How can employers work together to retain staff? Or what measures can help to retain employees in an organization for the long term? Discussing these questions together generates concrete and applicable insights that can be put into practice immediately.

In addition, a world café contributes to a sense of involvement and ownership among the participants. The process encourages them to actively contribute ideas and take responsibility for the topics discussed. The results of the world café are often summarized in a report or presented visually, so that all stakeholders have easy access to the insights gained and can determine the next steps.

Why choose a world café?

A world café is an effective method for organizations that want to gain in-depth insight into specific issues in an interactive and accessible way. It offers a structured setting in which participants are encouraged to speak freely and come to new insights together.

Another major advantage of a world café is that it promotes cooperation between different stakeholders. By working together on solutions and strategies, a broad basis for change is created. The method is flexible and scalable, making it suitable for both small and large groups and various themes.

A world café turns collective knowledge and experience into a powerful tool. By combining structured discussions with creative thinking, you ensure that every participant makes a valuable contribution. This allows you to build an inclusive and future-oriented approach that has a direct impact on policy and practice.

 

Stefan <span>Klomp</span>

Stefan Klomp

Client Consultant