Appreciative inquiry (AI), identified by David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva at Case Western University in 1987, is a methodology for bringing about positive change. The opposite of problem solving, which focuses on identifying what isn't working and fixing it, AI focuses on what is working and expanding it.
- Appreciative inquiry originated as a strategy for implementing change within organizations, but it is also very useful for those facilitating small groups or teams. Since the theory was articulated by Cooperrider and Srivastva, professionals in organizational development, health, medicine, personal counseling and other fields have worked at further developing and incorporating the concepts into practice. Substance abuse programs are beginning to find applications for AI concepts.
- In facilitating an appreciative inquiry, it is essential that the practitioner see the world from the perspective of the client. At the heart of AI is the art of asking questions in such a way that people can begin to identify possibilities, envision a future that is better than the present and develop strategies for actually making that vision a reality. It is a technique for discovering and leveraging the best in people and organizations.
According to Cooperrider, appreciative inquiry consists of four phases, sometimes referred to as the 4 D's--discover, dream, design and destiny. In the discover phase, people talk together. Elicit stories in as much detail as possible about best experiences. The essence of this phase is to get people to focus on their most positive qualities and achievements.
In the dream phase, encourage participants to imagine what life might be like if those peak experiences were not exceptions, but the rule. Lead the group to participate in a thought process in which they imagine a better state of affairs. Ask what would they like themselves, the organization, the community or the world to be like.
The design phase is about developing real strategies to bring about the dream. Support the group in prioritizing their wishes and making judgments about how to proceed. When problems are discussed, frame them in terms of what is in the way of success and how obstacles can be removed or overcome.
The final phase of AI, destiny, is the implementation phase. In this final phase, participants take the steps needed to bring about the improvements that they have conceptualized. Support adjustments as needed. - In one application of AI, female recidivists were engaged in as co-researchers/change agents relative to their experience in drug court and their program. The inquiry focused on the effectiveness of the program, what worked and what did not. They were asked what they needed more of and what could be reduced. Patients reported feeling that they were treated with dignity, began to feel more in control and less resentful or demoralized.
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