Reframing Evaluation Through Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

In today's world, evaluators must be flexible and responsive in order to best deal with the ever shifting environmental conditions that they face on the job. While the deficit-based approaches which have shaped evaluation practice over the years are important to master, a newer technique called Appreciative Inquiry offers evaluators an additional, viable lense through which to view their work. Appreciative Inquiry is the search for what aspects of an organization are effective and hold the key to innovation and growth. In this text, Hallie Preskill and Tessie Tzavaras Catsambas-who have integrated Appreciative Inquiry into their own practices-introduce readers to the theory and practice of Appreciative Inquiry and how it related to evaluation. Drawing on case examples, the text explains the way that this particular approach has been used to frame, design, and conduct evaluations in various sectors worldwide, and then goes on to teach audiences how to apply Appreciate Inquiry approaches to various aspects of their own evaluations. Moreover, the work instructs users on how to build evaluation capacity using Appreciative Inquiry. Reframing Evaluation Through Appreciative Inquiry is the perfect guide to this asset-based approach for consultants in non-profit, private, and government sectors, evaluators, and instructors alike. The text is particularly well suited for evaluation workshops and graduate courses which require students to practice evaluation. It is also an ideal supplement to the more general evaluation texts that are typically used in introductory program evaluation courses. Features and Benefits: Written in a clear and accessible style that appeals to those new to Appreciate Inquiry and Evaluation, as well as those who are familiar with one or both disciplines Comprised of numerous U.S.-based and international case examples that demonstrate the use of Appreciative Inquiry in evaluations Includes a matrix of cases to help us




Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

Written by the two most recognized Appreciative Inquiry thought leaders A quick, accessible introduction to one of the most popular change methods today--proven effective in organizations ranging from Roadway Express and British Airways to the United Nations and the United States Navy Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a model of change management uniquely suited to the values, beliefs, and challenges of organizations today. AI is a process that emphasizes identifying and building on strengths, rather than focusing exclusively on fixing weaknesses as most other change processes do. As the stories in this book illustrate, it results in dramatic improvements in the triple bottom line: people, profits, and planet. AI has been used to significantly enhance customer satisfaction, cost competitiveness, revenues, profits, and employee engagement, retention, and morale, as well as organizations' abilities to meet the needs of society. This book is a concise introduction to Appreciative Inquiry. It provides a basic overview of the process and principles of AI along with exciting stories illustrating how organizations have applied AI and the benefits they have gained as a result. It has been specifically designed to be accessible to a wide audience so that it can be handed out in organizations where AI is either being contemplated or being implemented. Written by two of the key figures in the development of Appreciative Inquiry, this is the most authoritative guide available to a change method that systematically taps the potential of human beings to make themselves, their organizations, and their communities more adaptive and more effective.




The Appreciative Inquiry Summit


Book Description

Over the past decade Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant advances in the field of organization development and change. This book is the first to provide a comprehensive practitioner's guide to the AI Summit-the preferred method when applying whole-scale change to large groups. The authors-four of the leading experts on Appreciative Inquiry-explore the theories of organization change and large-group process on which the AI Summit is based; walk the reader step-by-step through the process of planning, conducting, and following up on an AI Summit; provide a series of case studies of the AI Summit in action; and share essential success factors-what they have learned in their work with AI and large-group processes that contributes to success in large-scale efforts. This book is an essential resource for anyone who works with Appreciative Inquiry, large group interventions, or whole-system change processes.




Using Appreciative Inquiry in Evaluation


Book Description

This issue explores the potential role of Appreciative Inquiry, a process that searches for what is best in people and organizations, in evaluation. Contributors examine Appreciative Inquiry's approach and impact on the use of evaluation processes and findings, the contextual factors or conditions that make its use in evaluation appropriate, and the challenges of using it. Chapters also provide an overview of Appreciative Inquiry and how it fits within the landscape of evaluation practice, four case studies, and commentary and critique of specific points in this issue, as well as broader consideration of the possibilities that Appreciative Inquiry offers to evaluation practice. By offering evaluators an approach and method for discovering and building on the positive aspects of a program, Appreciative Inquiry is an valuable resource for evaluators. This issue is an indispensable guide to that resource.




Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

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




Appreciative Inquiry for Change Management


Book Description

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a widely recognised process for engaging people in organizational development and change management. Based on conversational practice, it is a particular way of asking questions, fostering relationships and increasing an organization's capacity for collaboration and change. It focuses on building organizations around what works, rather than trying to fix what doesn't, and acknowledges the contribution of individuals in increasing trust and organizational alignment and effectiveness. Appreciative Inquiry for Change Management studies AI in depth, identifying what makes it work and how to implement it to improve performance within the business. Appreciative Inquiry for Change Management explains the skills, perspectives and approaches needed for successful AI, and demonstrates how a practical conversational approach can be applied to organizational challenges in times of change. Case studies from organizations that have already integrated AI into their change management practice, including Nokia and BP, reveal why the processes are valuable and how to promote, create and generate such conversations in other organizations. Written in jargon-free language, this second edition now includes chapters on how positive psychology can enhance appreciative practice and appreciative coaching, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to implement AI in their organization.




Appreciative Leadership: Focus on What Works to Drive Winning Performance and Build a Thriving Organization


Book Description

Advance Praise for Appreciative Leadership: "A must-read for leaders at all levels who believe that both common sense and business sense require engaging and encouraging rather than mandating or manipulating. It may become my most-recommended book." -- Frank Rogers-Witte, Ph.D., Director, Executive Staff Effectiveness, Hewlett-Packard IPG "Building on a simple but powerful idea, Appreciative Leadership offers an approach to organizational transformation applicable to institutions as varied as businesses, universities, church bodies, and health systems. Packed with dozens of stories andsuggestions, it offers key insights translated into replicable strategies for action." -- Jane McAuliffe, Ph.D., President, Bryn Mawr College "The positive basis of power is illuminated brilliantly in this courageous leadership book. Appreciative Leadership touches the heart of leadership--the kind people most deeply desire--in a way that will change lives, businesses, and every relationship you wish to build." -- David L. Cooperrider, Ph.D., Professor of Social Entrepreneurship, Case Western Reserve University "Leadership driven by principles and integrity is more important today than ever. Appreciative Leadership shows how to blend principles of collaboration, quality, and service for both long-term achievement and practical daily impact. It provides amodel of success for a new generation of leaders." -- R. Edward Howell, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Virginia Medical Center The Positive Approach to Leadership That Brings Out the Best in Everyone Appreciative Inquiry has become one ofthe most popular new management tools in business today. Its premise is simple yet profound: Instead of focusing on what's wrong in the workplace, learn about and build upon what works. Dr. Diana Whitney--a leader in the field of Appreciative Inquiry--and colleagues Amanda Trosten-Bloom and Kae Rader bring the next generation of these ideas forward, with practical and proven tools for leadership. Arefreshingly different approach to managing organizations, Appreciative Leadership turns conventional management thinking on its head, demonstrating how to get results with "positive power." All you need are the five "I's" . . . INQUIRY: Leading with positively powerful questions. ILLUMINATION: Bringing out the best in people and situations. INCLUSION: Engaging with others to cocreate the future. INSPIRATION: Awakening the creative spirit. INTEGRITY: Making choices for the good of the whole. This revolutionary approach brings people together, drives companies forward--and takes your leadership skills to a whole new level. Appreciative Leadership shows you how to fully engage your team through positive inquiry and open dialogue--so that everyone feels included and valued, inspired and motivated . . . and ready to work together to win. In this user-friendly guide, you'll discover excitingnew techniques to open up discussions, exchange ideas, agree on a plan, and follow up on your goals. You'll learn simple tips on how to keep your team on track with a can-doattitude. And you'll find satisfying new ways to be engaged, passionate, and present. This book isn't a quick-fix solution to your management problems. It's a full-time, lifelong commitment to your values, your vision, and your connection to others. This is how the best leaders in the world bring out thebest in people, their organizations, and themselves. This is Appreciative Leadership.




The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook


Book Description

In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of one of the most popular change methods in the world, Cooperrider et al. track the recent changes in the field and explain how AI can contribute to sustainability and the triple bottom line. One of today's most popular change methods, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has been used to undertake transformational initiatives in dozens of organizations, ranging from McDonalds to the U.S. Navy to Save the Children. The assumption of AI is simple. Every organization has things that work right-things that give it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. AI begins by identifying this positive core and connecting organizational visions, plans, and structures to it in ways that heighten energy and inspire action for change. This book presents all of the concepts, examples, and aids necessary to engage groups of all sizes in Appreciative Inquiry. The authors provide background information on what AI is and how it works and offer sample project plans, designs, agendas, course outlines, interview guidelines, participant worksheets, a list of resources, and more. This second edition has been extensively revised, updated, and expanded, including new case studies, new tools and supplemental articles, an expanded bibliography and resource list, and an entirely new chapter on case applications. And throughout, the authors focus on how AI can support an organizational focus on sustainability and the triple bottom line of people, prosperity, and planet.




The Power of Appreciative Inquiry


Book Description

NEW EDITION, REVISED AND UPDATED The Power of Appreciative Inquiry describes the internationally embraced approach to organizational change that dramatically improves performance by engaging people to study, discuss, and build upon what’s working – strengths – rather than trying to fix what’s not. Diana Whitney and Amanda Trosten-Bloom, pioneers in the development and practice of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), provide a menu of eight results-oriented applications, along with case examples from a wide range of organizations to illustrate Appreciative Inquiry in action. A how-to book, this is the most authoritative and accessible guide to the newest ideas and practices in the field of Appreciative Inquiry since its inception in 1985. The second edition includes new examples, tools, and tips for using AI to create an enduring capacity for positive change, along with a totally new chapter on award-winning community applications of Appreciative Inquiry.




Appreciative Coaching


Book Description

Appreciative Coaching describes an approach to coaching that is rooted in Appreciative Inquiry. At its core the Appreciative Coaching method shows individuals how to tap into (or rediscover) their own sense of wonder and excitement about their present life and future possibilities. Rather than focusing on individuals in limited or problem-oriented ways, Appreciate Coaching guides clients through four stages—Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny—that inspire them to an appreciative and empowering view of themselves and their future.