Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change [Paperback]

David L Cooperrider (Author), Diana Whitney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2005

Written by the originators and leaders of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) movement itself, this short, practical guide offers an approach to organizational change based on the possibility of a more desirable future, experience with the whole system, and activities that signal "something different is happening this time." That difference systematically taps the potential of human beings to make themselves, their organizations, and their communities more adaptive and more effective. AI, a theory of collaborative change, erases the winner/loser paradigm in favor of coordinated actions and closer relationships that lead to solutions at once simpler and more effective.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Appreciative Inquiry gets everyone to focus on what’s possible through interactive discovery and design sessions. The output has been amazing. -- Jim Staley, President, Roadway Express

I would like to commend [the authors] for Appreciative Inquiry, and for introducing it to the United Nations. -- Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations

About the Author

David L. Cooperrider, Ph.D. is professor and chair of the Program on Business as an Agent of World Benefit at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University. Diana K. Whitney, Ph.D. is president of Corporation for Positive Change and cofounder of the Taos Institute and a Distinguished Consulting Faculty at Saybrook Graduate School. She is the author of five books on AI, including The Power of Appreciative Inquiry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (October 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576753565
• ISBN-13: 978-1576753569
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Business & Investing > Organizational Behavior > Organizational Change

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Focusing on Possibilities September 20, 2007

By Dennis DeWilde VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

In this short, introductory manual to Appreciative Inquire, AI professionals Cooperrider and Whitney use actual business stories to present the processes that underpin this positive approach for relating to change. As the authors tell us and the name implies, the AI process starts with an appreciation for the positives (strengths and best practices) of what has been and what is within the current situation - the Discovery Phase. Then it moves into the visioning step - Dream Phase, to declare the potential or purpose from the change. The third step in the process calls for the articulation of an organization that can call upon the strengths and realize the dream - Design Phase. This step is followed by the actions to strengthen the capability of the system to sustain ongoing positive change - Destiny Phase.

After reading the book, it seems to me that an unstated purpose of this manual is to demonstrate to business readers, the performance improvement power of a process that is often thought of as being more applicable to spiritual inquiry than as a tool for the secular environment: And why not? The process requires a systemic analysis, the mobilization of all stakeholders and the tapping of their positive energy; rather than playing to their worst fears. It is a relational process, allowing people to be heard, to think big picture (dream), and to choose to contribute toward a positive change - all requirements for a successful performance improvement process. If you are not familiar with AI, or if you think AI is only useful to answer the question, "What is our spirit calling us to be?", give this book a quick read. Dennis DeWilde, Author of "The Performance Connection"

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Great March 24, 2007

By John P. Maclean

Format:Paperback

I have been using Hammond's Little Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry as a text in my Creativity, Innovation and Change Management. We found out that it is no longer available. Amazon gave me a note on the small Cooperrider book and I found it almost just right as a replacement for my class. It has one deficiency. Hammond's book has a section on the assumptions of AI. I feel that is very important, particulary when introducing the subject to those that haven't seen or used it. I will be able to have them as I have been using the Hammond book and can make the assumptions a handout. JPM

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciating Appreciative Inquiry January 30, 2008

By Patrick X. Crotty

Format:Paperback

There are many excellent books and websites on Appreciative Inquiry (AI). This small book is a needed contribution to the AI field. It is brief, concise, and easy to follow. It will be useful for introducing AI to new folks. Experienced practioners will enjoy the crispness and ease of use. I found Ch 6 "Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships" very useful. The authors, who have many in-depth contributions to AI, have given us a great tool for sharing AI with many folk. Thanks.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An explorative introductory guide to a new and revolutionary method of change management March 15, 2006

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

Expertly co-written by David L. Cooperrider (Professor and Chairman of the Department of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management) and Diana Whitney (President of Corporation for Positive Change), Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution In Change is an explorative introductory guide to a new and revolutionary method of change management. With an easy-to-use system, Appreciative Inquiry will assist its readers to encourage its readers to emphasize strengths to their employees as opposed to focusing solely on fixing weakness. Appreciative Inquiry is a well organized and "user-friendly" guide highly recommended reading, especially for corporate or business executives.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mouthwatering December 19, 2009

By educ8er

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The interesting idea here is the scope of the topic. Given the savory taste of the subject only provides the reader with enough to understand the concepts. Further reading is available and I am now into those additions. Don't look for a cookbook, recipe style information in this book, but there is plenty here to wet your whistle.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Information, Great Concept November 24, 2007

By Carol D. Cheley

Format:Paperback

Book is well written, to the point. A user's manual for change, but can also be applied on a personal level.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciative Inquiry Review for Cas 352 October 13, 2009

By Shamlee Devi Gupta

Format:Paperback

I believe the whole Appreciate Inquiry strategy was an amazing process to get employees to come together and help build on an organization's weakness. Problem-solving only focuses on the bad parts of a company, while the good parts are being ignored. When the strengths of the company are worked on, only then will they see a successful future for the company/organization. The 4-d cycle helps to separate the steps for a full improvement and a full display of the strengths and accomplishments of an organization. It brings discovery of what is good, to dreaming of what could be better, and then designing the dream of what could be better, to making the design a part of their destiny.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars disappointed because this is so brief October 9, 2009

By artiste

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

this is really an article and does not merit being called a "book." I am so disappointed I am returning this item.