Appreciative Inquiry: An Integrative Review of Studies in Three Disciplines.

This integrative literature review examines appreciative inquiry (AI)—a strengths-based organizational change approach—in healthcare, higher education, and management, the three fields with the most AI-related empirical studies. The review identifies diverse purposes for AI use, varying adherence to the traditional 4D cycle (discovery, dream, design, destiny), and reports positive effects at individual, group, and organizational levels, even when the full cycle is not strictly followed. It highlights innovative AI applications, especially in higher education and healthcare, the use of modified AI models, and acknowledges inherent limitations such as potential neglect of negative experiences. The authors propose a systems model of AI, suggest directions for future research including multi-level and quantitative studies, and discuss implications for human resource development (HRD) practice, emphasizing the value of adapting AI thoughtfully while addressing its critiques.