2.1 Appreciative inquiry ‐ theoretical rationale
Elena Sánchez‐Nielsen and Carolina Martín‐Vázquez
Although the model of deficit and negative language prevails as the current and dominant narrative in western cultures, some authors have proposed a change( Gergen 2003). Positive language has been associated with an increase in the creative ability to solve problems, make decisions and judgments more effectively( Isen 2001), and with an improvement in the ability to learn and generate new ideas( Bower 1981). In contrast, negative language based on problems and criticism invites us to focus on the negative aspects of individuals or communities, triggering defensiveness and as a result, tends to discredit or belittle. The negative viewpoint rarely generates a new vision, limiting the proactivity among participants. Consequently, this type of narrative diminishes the potential that exists in humans to create and participate.
The AI approach is conceived to foster a collaborative construction of reality based on dialogue and a systematic search for what works best as a key way to achieve organizational or a positive community response. It is based on two basic concepts:( 1) the inquiry, which is focused on asking questions, investigating, exploring, discovering and being open to new things, and( 2) the discovery, which is focused on valuing and recognizing the strengths and successes to empower, rather than emphasizing the negative and falling into criticism. The appreciative attitude arouses the desire to create and discover new social possibilities through inspiring inquiries. This is accomplished through a story telling methodology, which includes a series of premeditated questions for facilitating discovery of strengths. The questions are based contextually on the past, the present and desired future experiences. A conceptual model includes the 4D cycle surrounding the“ positive core”( Cooperrider 2008):( 1) Discovery, appreciate what was and is,( 2) Dream, what might be,( 3) Design, what should be, and,( 4) Decide, what will be. The practice of AI is based on eight principles( Whitney 2002). Table 1 summarizes these principles.
Table 1: Basic principles of the practice of the AI model
Principle The Constructionist Principle The Simultaneity Principle The Poetic Principle
The Anticipatory Principle
The Positive Principle
The Wholeness Principle
The Enactment Principle
The Free Choice Principle
2.2 Methodology
Definition Words Create Worlds Reality is socially created through language and conversations. Inquiry Creates Change Inquiry is intervention. The moment we ask a question we begin to create a change. We Can Choose What We Study What we choose to study makes a difference. It describes, even creates, the world as we know it. Image Inspires Action Human systems move in the direction of their images of the future. The more positive and hopeful is the image of the future, the more positive the present day action. Positive Questions Lead to Positive Change Momentum for change requires positive effect and social bonding. This momentum is best generated through positive questions that amplify the positive core. Wholeness Brings Out the Best Wholeness brings out the best in people and organizations. Bringing all stakeholders together in large group forums stimulates creativity and builds collective capacity. Act“ As If” Is Self‐Fulfilling Positive change occurs when the process used to create the change is a living model of the ideal future. Free Choice Liberates Power People perform better and are more committed when they have freedom to choose how and what to contribute. Free choice stimulates organizational excellence and positive change.
The premise of the methodology developed is to apply the AI model focusing on the basic AI principles in order to promote a socially constructive dialogue, a positive and proactive attitude and to foster and vitalize the online citizen debate through the PbP uDebate tool. The methodology proposed has been built on how positive language is able to increase the creative ability to solve problems, leads to a more effective way of making decisions and judgments, greater optimism, and increased ability to learn and generate new ideas.
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