Appreciative Inquiry is best described as:

• A. An approach that seeks to identify the unique qualities and strengths of an organization, which can then be built on to improve performance
• B. A deficit-focused problem-solving method
• C. A punitive compliance process
• D. A solely data-driven audit

Answer: (A)

Appreciative Inquiry is a strengths-based, positive approach that looks for what the organization does well—the unique qualities and capabilities that contribute to success—and then builds on those assets to improve performance. It focuses on possibilities and collaborative storytelling to envision an ideal future and design actions to realize it. This differs from deficit-focused problem solving, which centers on identifying what’s wrong and fixing it; it isn’t about punitive processes or blaming. It also isn’t merely data-driven auditing, since the method prioritizes people, relationships, and shared strengths as the driver of change.