Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative inquiry is defined as a philosophy of knowing, a methodology for managing change, an approach to leadership and human development.

Appreciative inquiry begins with the belief that we have a choice, that we can consciously choose what we see and act upon.

Appreciative inquiry is the cooperative search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them. It involves systemic discovery of what gives a system life when it is most effective and capableAI involves the art and practice of asking questions and strengthen a systems capacity to heighten positive potential.

Assumptions of Appreciative Inquiry; Creates the opportunity for organizational learning and creativity to occur, by focusing on whats right rather on whats wrong with an organization.

In every human system, something works. What we focus on, and the language we use becomes our reality. Reality is created in the moment and there are multiple realities.

 The act of asking questions influences the

group in some way.

People have more confidence and comfort to move to an unknown future when they carry forward parts of the past.
What we carry forward should be what is best about the past.

 Appreciative Inquiry involves the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a systems capacity to heighten positive potential questions such as: Describe a high point experience in your organization, a time when you have been most alive and engaged.

Describe a high point experience i n your organization, time when when you have been most alive and engaged.

 What are the core factors that give life to your organization, without which the organization would no be the same. What three wishes do you have to enhance the health and vitality of your organization.

Five Principles of Appreciative Inquiry

The Constructionist Principle: Human Knowledge and organizational destiny are interwoven. To be effective, we must understand organizations as living, human constructions. The Principle of Simultaneity: Inquiry and change are not separate moments but are simultaneous.

 The Poetic Principle: Human organizations are like open books. The story of the open system is constantly being co-authored, and it is open to infinite interpretations. The Anticipatory Principle: Our positive images of the future lead our positive actions- this is the increasingly energizing basis and presumption of Appreciative inquiry.

 Positive Principle: Building and sustaining momentum for change requires large amount of positive outlook and social bond.