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: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Business & Investing > Organizational Behavior > Organizational Change

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Dennis DeWilde "The Performance Connection" (Cleveland area, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change (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"

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Great, March 24, 2007

By 

John P. Maclean "creativity teacher" (Orem Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change (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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Patrick X. Crotty (Orchard Park, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change (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.