Uncovering Positive Practices:

Insights from the Differences between Two Participatory Approaches—Positive Deviance and Participatory Workplace Improvement

Abstract

 How can good practices be leveraged to tackle challenges and issues in the workplace? Moreover, what is necessary to take the first step toward a solution and turn it into a good practice? In this session, we held the first-ever roundtable discussion at this conference, focusing on "participatory workplace improvement" and "positive deviance" as approaches to using good practices to create a better work environment.

 By asking and exchanging questions and deepening the dialogue, we explored how to take the initial step, the involvement and roles of experts, and the philosophy of practice. As a result, we identified several commonalities among good practices, including starting with small, feasible actions, adopting a participatory approach, and having professionals take on a facilitative, supportive rather than a directive role.

 Furthermore, we shared insights into each approach's unique strategies, such as building an improved environment through accumulating cases and carefully observing behaviors to detect minor deviations that can lead to positive change.