Appreciative Inquiry

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the practice of appreciative inquiry or AI. AI is defined, its origin examined and a review of available literature covered. Case studies of organizations using AI approaches to facilitate positive change are explored next. Finally suggested research in AI as well as where AI would be useful are explored.

From the Paper:

"AI is derived from the theory of social constructionism, and recognizes that human systems are concepts of human imagination. Because human systems are concepts of the imagination then they ought to be able to change with the speed of the human imagination, (Watkins, Mohr).
"Once organization members shift their perspective, they can begin to invent their most desired future, "(Watkins, Mohr). Other definitions of AI include; "...a paradigm of conscious evolution geared for the realities of the new century; ...as offspring and heir to Maslow's vision of a positive social science; as a radically affirmative approach to change which completely lets go of problem-based management and in so doing vitally transforms strategic planning, survey methods, culture change, merger integration methods, approaches to TQM, measurement systems, socio-technical systems, etc.," (Cooperrider and Whnitney)."

More papers on Appreciative Inquiry:

• Term Paper # 112081 : "Appreciative Inquiry Intervention Plan"
• Analytical Essay # 124763 : "BBC Change Initiative"
• Business Plan # 92960 : "Change Management"

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