Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination

by Jane Magruder Watkins

Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of Appreciative Inquiry offers OD and HR professionals a user-friendly resource for discovering how they can tap into the power of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process. An innovative process, AI is an effective way to work with a company as an organic system whose success depends on a holistic approach to connect that organization's human, technical, and organizational functions. This new edition meets the challenge of making the AI process accessible and updates three key areas of the process: the theoretical basis, fundamental assumptions and beliefs, and the basic processes. It includes step-by-step guidelines on how to apply AI in a variety of organizational situations and shows how it can be used with a wide range of initiatives, such as coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, and teambuilding. "If there's one book to read on AI, this is it. It provides the context and rationale for this paradigm changing approach to change at any level of system. Buy it, read it, use it and enjoy achieving great results and renewed energy and enthusiasm."
― Barbara Sloan , director, Organizational Development and Learning, New York University, Langone Medical Center "Appreciative Inquiry brings the freedom and creativity of AI together with the 'nuts and bolts' of how to actually do it all. It contains everything I would want to have as a fresh practitioner, from potential designs to sample questions and excellent Case Stories."
― David Shaked , founder and CEO, Almond Insight, United Kingdom "This book serves as a complete roadmap for those interested in the philosophy and practice of Appreciative Inquiry. The Case Stories encourage readers to find their own way on the journey by providing examples of successful interventions."
― Terry Egan , professor, Management Studies, Pepperdine University

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2001

Reviews

[Frany74 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview and great reference book for Appreciative Inquiry.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Incredibly helpful as a practitioner

[Nova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative reading if you'd like to know what Appreciative Inquiry and its development theory.. but not for its implementation. Nevertheless, I found that the writing style is so much like textbooks, a bit boring for me.

[Reuben Rail · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who like to be agents of change, or recognize that they can be, this is a great book. It provides a clear framework, with many case studies, to begin change in any organization or group setting.

[Neena Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the earliest & the best books I read on 'Appreciative Inquiry'. This book has made a definitive impact on my understanding of the subject. A classic read for beginners & advance practitioners alike.

[G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have skimmed this for years. I'll read it all, now. It's really, really good stuff. Almost every page is dog-eared.