Appreciative Inquiry : theory and application. A case study

Abstract

In my research I will investigate the possibilities Appreciative Inquiry offers to organizations. The research of this thesis addresses the questions of what really works in AI and how the AI approach should be implemented successfully. In the beginning of the research AI is described as an alternative form of the action research approach, developed by D.L. Cooperrider and S. Srivastva. I will base my research on their argument that more traditional approaches to organizational development prevent an organization to reach the innovative potential and to develop its strengths and competences. Unlike more traditional approaches, AI nourishes the human spirit. To see how AI is implemented in the organization and how it works in practice, more practical research had to been done. Therefore, second part of my research presents the findings from practical investigation of organization that is applying the AI approach in their work. Stebo, an organization in Genk (Belgium), recently has ad