Abstract

Futures studies is the systematic study of possible, probable and preferable futures including the worldviews and myths that underlie each future. Futures studies has moved from external forces influencing the future–astrology and prophesy–to structure (historical patterns of change, of the rise and fall of nations and systems) and agency (the study and creation of preferred images of the future). Futures studies have been eagerly adopted by planning departments in organisations and nations. Yet there are clear differences between planning and futures framework. Planning seeks to control and close the future, while futures studies seek to open up the future, moving from the 'likely' future to alternative futures. This book is divided into two main sections: 1. The first section explores futures studies–approaches, methodology, epistemology, trends as well as case studies in the field. 2. The second section focuses on futures studies and action learning, developing a new focus that that combines futures studies and action learning, anticipatory action learning. The ways in which the future can be used to transform organisations is articulated in this section