Appreciative inquiry and leadership transitions

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Leadership Studies
• Change Management

Background:

• Accelerated organizational change and leadership transitions necessitate new approaches.
• Traditional change models may not suffice during complex leadership shifts.
• Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and sensemaking offer complementary frameworks for managing change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the application of AI leadership strategy in navigating organizational change.
• To demonstrate how AI and sensemaking skills facilitate leadership transitions.
• To share the University of Utah College of Nursing's experience with an AI process.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a narrative case study approach.
• It documented the faculty's experience with an Appreciative Inquiry process.
• The focus was on applying AI principles to organizational change and leadership transition.

Main Results:

• The AI process facilitated discovery, dreaming, design, and creation of a collective vision.
• Sensemaking skills were enhanced, aiding decision-making and communication.
• The AI leadership strategy proved effective in managing organizational change and transition.

Conclusions:

• Appreciative Inquiry is a valuable leadership strategy for managing organizational change.
• Sensemaking, enhanced by AI, is crucial for effective leadership during transitions.
• The University of Utah College of Nursing's experience provides a practical model for other organizations.