Appreciative Inquiry
A Practical Guide to Positive Change
Diana Whitney, Amanda Trosten-Bloom. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. (2002), ISBN 1-57675-226-752795, Paperback (266 pages), $30.95 (publisher's page)
This best-selling book – now translated into five languages – is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and practical guide to Appreciative Inquiry (AI). The Power of Appreciative Inquiry introduces a menu of eight approaches to AI, using examples from many different types of organizations to illustrate AI in action. The authors reflect in detail on the now infamous Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Division case, showing how the company achieved a 15 to 20% improvement in its bottom line and created a new strategic direction and culture using AI.
A how-to book but not a manual, The Power of Appreciative Inquiry emphasizes the customized, flexible, almost artistic nature of the AI process. It’s a must-have for any organization development or AI library.
Table of Contents:
1. What is Appreciative Inquiry?
2. A Menu of Approaches to Appreciative Inquiry
3. Eight Principles of Appreciative Inquiry
4. Appreciative Inquiry in Action: From Origins to Current Practice
5. Getting Started with Appreciative Inquiry
6. Affirmative Topic Choice
7. Discovery: Appreciative Interviews and More
8. Dream: Visions and Voices of the Future
9. Design: Giving Form to values and Ideals
In praise of The Power of Appreciative Inquiry:
At last – what is sure to become the quintessential guide to Appreciative Inquiry, for the experienced practitioner or the novice.
Jean Moore
Executive Director, Workforce Development, Verizon
And Author, Reconnecting with People
I read this book one weekend, and felt inspired! The authors’ clear writing summarizes the rigorous underpinnings of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in psychology and sociology and in the maturing methodologies that have emerged in AI practice, yet the book is eminently accessible. The book also does a good job of integrating theory and practice, so has widespread practical application for those who want to implement the appreciative inquiry process. By making Appreciative Inquiry more transparent, the authors encourage us to be part of the contagion. I have heartily recommended the book to clients and colleagues.
Bea Mah Holland
Lexington, MA
The authors have produced a very lively and readable book that pulled me into the heart of positive change and the spirit of affirmation. Their stories of success establish them as credible organizational change experts. From the principles behind the theory, to the methods of operationalizing the change process, this book gives clear direction on how to start now and move your company (and its bottom line) in the right direction. Avoiding the dry and parched style of other OD books, The Power Of Appreciative Inquiry gently guides the reader on a path that allows each person to discover his/her own use of this wonderful change process. I recommend it highly to all small business owners.
Howard Lambert, Ph.D.
Denver, CO
Whitney and Trosten-Bloom have created a very "user friendly," accessible handbook, well organized and written in layman's language. I find it helpful for the current practitioner of AI wanting to learn through the lens of case study snippets, for the novice wanting to learn how it works and how to "do it" before investing the time for more rigorous academic readings, for the manager who wants to approach change in a positive framework, and the OD consultant seeking new, innovative ways to co-create effective, energized workplaces with their clients.
Kathy Carmean
Memphis, TN
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