Using Appreciative Inquiry for Information Systems Research

Qualitative research methods are gaining popularity among Information System (IS) researchers (Myers, 1997). Among the various qualitative methods, action research (AR) is considered both effective and controversial. Action research as a methodology is becoming more common in the IS research field, although its validity is sometimes questioned (Baskerville & Wood-Harper, 1996; Myers, 1997). One particular action research method that has been used in organizational development since the 1980’s is known as Appreciative Inquiry (AI). AI was developed by Cooperrider and Srivastva (1987) and has been used as an action research intervention in organizations for many years. One area in which AI does not seem to be used is in IS. A literature search revealed no articles relating AI to IS. This paper will explore the possibility of using appreciative inquiry specifically in an IS research setting. The paper will be organized as follows: First, the research question will be articulated. Next, action research will be defined, explained, and some of its criticisms explored. Following this, appreciative inquiry will be defined and examined. Finally, a theoretical application of AI in an IS research scenario will be proposed.