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The open plan office projects the feel of an "open" work environment, very much in a "we don't have anything to hide or keep secret from each other" sort of way. This "effect" is continued with the identical chairs, "my chair is the same as your chair, we are all treated as equals"! We are all on the same side, in the same team working for the good of all!
This is part of "Office Ergonomics" which aims at setting up yourboffice work space so that it fits you and the job you are doing. So, it is all driven by "real business meeds" more than the psychological considerations in the workers .. Hence, I do not really think the chairs should be indentical. They can be ... but it is NOT a must, if the people are happy with what they get, and what they get is suitable for the work to be done.
Open space office is needed for teams and team members to do certain work . But this is not the only thing they need . There should be also small group meeting rooms, couple medium size meeting rooms, and one major meeting room that can accommodate all members when needed
The positive side
An open space office brings more motivation and leads to better results in the team thanks to eye contact and communication. In open space offices people talk more frequently and through information exchange is better as in normal offices divided by walls
Having identical chairs just mean everyone is seen as equal.
The negative side
Can Be A Noisy Environment
Lack Of Confidentiality
Spreading Of Germs
