Appreciative inquiry and possibilities of its implementation in victims support programmes

Abstract

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an innovative methodology and a process for facilitating positive change in organizations, groups, and communities (Cooperrider, Srivastva, 1987). This approach has been successfully implemented worldwide in management, the non-profit sector, health care, education, community development and other fields. Problem- solving gets replaced with innovation and by identifying the positive core that gives life to an organisation, a group, or a community when it is vital, effective, and successful. The concept is based on the heliotropic principle: that people move toward those things that give them energy and life. AI starts from the inquiry of the inner values of an individual and his/her positive images of the future that motivate and drive him/her towards affirmations and positive visions of the future. This paper considers the possibilities of implementation of AI in the field in which it has not been applied so far: in victims' support programmes. The first part of the paper presents the principles, methodology, and phases of AI. Examples of good practices are presented in the second part of the paper. The third part introduces possibilities, methods, and expected outcomes of the implementation of AI in victims' support programmes. The author concludes that AI has great potential to be implemented in victims' support programmes as an additional programme for their empowerment and envisioning optimistic expectations in future. It is expected that AI workshops would empower victims to successfully overcome the consequences of victimisation and achieve personal growth at the same time. The paper aims to consider the potential of AI regarding its implementation as additional content in victims' support and assistance programmes.