Customer Reviews

Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change

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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"

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

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.

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.

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

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.

I love the idea of switching thinking from problem resolution to thinking about the end goal and using the power of positive outcomes to achieve the end goal.

I really enjoyed this book and it gave me a lot of information for practical application of Appreciative Inquiry. I highly recommend the book to newcomers in the AI movement and all leaders, supervisors and managers. I wish more CEO's would learn about AI!

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

The Appreciative Inquiry methodology is presented in a way that enable the reader to both understand the concepts and implement the 4-D steps in a seemless manner.
This book will save you a great deal of time.