Small working groups means they are using the Delphi Technique to ensure the arival of predetermined outcomes.
When I saw it in action (in a "lay Catholic network" conference) a couple of years ago, it was absolutely amazing. I could see that a set of predetermined agenda points was being methodically extruded through the groups, but in each group, most participants were under the impression they were in some kind of "participatory democracy" actually making the decisions.
If you don't recognize the manipulative techniques, you are putty in the planners' hands. Even if you see it right in front of your face, it is extremely difficult to extricate yourself from the process.