Introduction: Impact of Appreciative Inquiry on Research: Experiences, Reflections and Thoughts for the Future

 

by Jan Reed and Lena Holmberg

This issue of AIP reflects the stage that we seem to be at – the breaking down of traditional ideas of science and the exploration of new ways of
thinking about what we do. Alot of ideas seem to have been generated, and although there are some which seem to be strong, the debate may
only be beginning, and we need to ask whether AI can help this debate by stimulating further thinking and further research.

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What is the role of Appreciative Inquiry in research? Has it fulfilled the definition
proposed by Cooperrider and Srivastva in 1987? In what ways has AI been used in
research studies in the last twenty years? Is it possible for AI to become a main-stream
academic research methodology. Is it desirable?

Back to Basics:
Appreciating Appreciative Inquiry as Not ‘Normal’ Science


by Dian Marie Hosking & Sheila McNamee

There are many varieties of social constructionism. Which one researchers are using in regard to Appreciative Inquiry is not always obvious. Traditional science or research perspectives assume a singular reality, an objective knowledge about this reality, and a fact-finding methodology which aims to produce objective and universal knowledge about
the assumed reality. Given these assumptions, AI appears to be un-scientific. Constructionist philosophy is central to AI. In this article we shall sketch some key themes of what we call a critical constructionist philosophical stance. It is this stance which informs social action referred to as Appreciative Inquiry. Good questions are viewed as
those that help to enlarge possible worlds and possible ways of being in relationship. Careful attention to listening constructs an ongoing form of life that is open and appreciative.

Appreciative Inquiry as a Process of Generative Theory Building


by James D. Ludema and C. Keith Cox

AI is an ideal methodology for building generative theory on a range of topics which can be
classified into two categories: theories turned inward and theories turned outward. The
research areas which AI influences include the research purpose, the topics chosen to study, the questions asked, and the process of analysis. When looking at their data, researchers using AI to generate theory should be encouraged not to look for ‘any old theme’ or category, but to search for the themes and concepts that hold the greatest potential to promote social and organizational flourishing.

Towards an Appreciative Meta-Inquiry

 
by Mark Edwards

How might an appreciative conceptual inquiry be practiced in a field such as organisational change? Two approaches give some direction for this type of inquiry: multiparadigm inquiry and integral metatheory. Inquiring appreciatively into conceptual
diversity means that the contributions of multiple theories are acknowledged and included within our explanations and sense-making endeavours. Multiparadigm inquiry and integral methodological pluralism are examples of an appreciative approach to the unity of theory and action. Theory building is based on a shared motive for uncovering mystery, for
enriching experience and for disclosing new visions.

An Appreciative Inquiry into the Role of Appreciative Inquiry in Research: Findings Regarding an Analysis of Six
Cases

 
by Mary Emery, Corry Bregendahl, Edith Fernandez-Baca and Susan Fey

Using Appreciative Inquiry adds value to research efforts. AI gives richer, deeper data, particularly in regard to the conditions or factors that support success in communities and organizations. Applying Appreciative Inquiry to our own work increased our knowledge of social change and brought new wisdom to our work.

Appreciative Inquiry at Work – Lessons from Case Study Research for AI Practitioners and their Clients

 
by Liz E. Mellish

We are all social entrepreneurs who discover and create the world and organisations we inhabit. The research process for this study posed key questions regarding the ways in which AI facilitates sustainable organisational change. The principles of AI were consistently applied across multiple organisational settings. The study confirms that
organisation change is dynamic and participant centred, and that a social change process
such as AI supports people in transition.


 

Designing Research with a Positive Lens

by Michel Avital and Danielle Zandee

The choice of method has a critical effect on the kind of study researchers conduct and the kind of knowledge elicited. Research with a Positive Lens connotes a distinctive perspective. In this article, we highlight two central archetypes of strength-based research methods, and explore their potential effects. Many are familiar with Appreciative Inquiry and Positive Organizational Scholarship, but fewer are acquainted with the differences between them and their consequent effect on inquiry and knowledge building. Researchers who wish to apply either one as a research method ought to know their unique capabilities.

 

Using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Grounded Theory as a Methodological Framework for Developing Care in Schools: Possibilities and Limitations

by Maha Shuayb

In this study, AI and grounded theory were applied in three secondary schools in Lebanon. The combination was appropriate, but also presented difficulties. The principals refused to take part and did not permit teachers to participate. Success was limited because it relied on the stakeholders’ commitment, but combining AI and aspects of grounded theory highlighted unexplored territories in the field of care in education

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Older-People-Researchers’ Views of Appreciative Inquiry

 by Glenda Cook and Elsie Richardson

A study for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Older People’s steering group which adopted AI as its framework recruited older people as researchers. This gave them an experience they had never had: they were partners and contributors to the study, not just subjects. The process encouraged them to see new possibilities and uncovered hidden expertise. The study challenges the assumption that older people are a social problem to be solved by external experts.

Making Magic Doing Research

by Jeanie Cockell

Making magic is a metaphor I use for the transformation that occurs when people in a
group become more interconnected and authentic with each other. We created a group of peers, the magical group, which began as researchers and participants, and coalesced into co-researchers. On the peak of our magic together, I juggled multiple roles. In Stage Three, I immersed myself in following the energy of the stories and themes. I called my thesis a magical quilt of stories. These impacts allowed me to have faith that magic will happen. I
create spaces where human spirits can interact.

Stakeholder Development and Research through Appreciative Inquiry

by Helen Clarke and Charly Ryan

By taking a positive view of the potential of adults and children as learners we were able to achieve more than other approaches. Stakeholders may be involved in a common project for different reasons. Our strategy was a planned, purposeful activity, systematic in its evolving collection of data to help stakeholders understand the impacts of decisions.Publishing to different communities of practice is a key feature of the research process. Formative evaluation coupled with Appreciative Inquiry and action research leads to positive outcomes for all the stakeholders involved.

You See It…We Live It! Working Together to Make a Difference: Evaluating SCIE Partners’ Council Using Appreciative Inquiry


by Julie Barnes, Pete Fleischmann and Lesley Moore

While the Partners’ Council initially generated enthusiasm and commitment from members, SCIE staff and Trustees, interest waned as time passed. No one was sure where the initiative was headed. We wanted to engage everyone who cared about the Council. Focussing on the positives and looking at what was already valued proved incredibly
helpful. The evaluation which unfolded grew into a living, evolving inquiry. Using this methodology allowed the project to gather its own momentum.