Applying Appreciative Inquiry, Performance Improvement, and Positive Psychology

Abstract

As a member of multiple organizations, one may find that there are relationships and situations that span those organizations. When reviewing the intersection of those relationship/situations, it is a good idea to use innovative principles and practices of performance improvement to offer recommendations. This case study describes the approach to reach a positive recommendation for a non-profit, faith-based organization. By using concepts of appreciative inquiry, the ten principles of human performance improvement (ISPI), and positive psychology as described in Flow by (Csikszentmihalyi in 1990, the practitioner was able to “step back” and view the big picture. The situation required reviewing whether the church daycare could continue to sustain operations despite a challenging financial outlook. Some members of the church council were concerned about the financial reports while others thought that the daycare was a valuable ministry that should be continued. The council president appointed a task force to review viability of the daycare organization.