Organizations work best when:
The "joint is jumping!" -vibrant and fun
You sense the spirit of the organization is vital and healthy
People feel pride in their work
Everyone builds on each other's successes
There is an infectious, positive can do attitude
The glow of success is shared
Positive energy is appreciated and celebrated so it deepens and lasts
The "joint is jumping!" -vibrant and fun
You sense the spirit of the organization is vital and healthy
People feel pride in their work
Everyone builds on each other's successes
There is an infectious, positive can do attitude
The glow of success is shared
Positive energy is appreciated and celebrated so it deepens and lasts
In other words, organizations function less desirably missing one or more elements above. The organizational culture has great impact on productivity, employee satisfaction, workplace morale and other aspects. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) amplifies the pockets of excellence to create positive organizational culture.
Just a short list of the many organizations that have benefitted from the AI process includes GTE, Avon, the United Nations, the city of Chicago, multiple school districts and the U.S. Navy.
The differences between AI and the traditional problem solving process are outlined below:
Instead of starting out by identifying root causes of a certain problem, AI encourages the discovery and appreciation of strengths and unique attributes. Appreciating the best of what is lays the ground for envisioning intriguing possibilities in the future, followed by co-determining realistic objectives and practices. The ultimate purpose is to put the propositions into sustained action that will allow positive organizational change to occur. The following diagram depicts key steps in conducting AI.
4D Model
Five processes common to all AI models
1. Choose the positive as the focus of the inquiry
2. Inquire into stories of life-giving forces
3. Locate themes that appear in the stories and select topics for further inquiry
4. Create shared images of the future
5. Find innovative ways to create the future
Five Factors for Success
1. A clearly defined and important purpose
2. A relentless focus on the positive
3. A willingness to commit the time and resources needed to do what is necessary
4. Inclusiveness: all key stakeholders should be involved
5. Trust in, and commitment to the process
To learn more and read about AI in action internationally, check out The AI Commons at http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/
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