When appreciative inquiry guides action research: collaborating to improve waste sorting

Abstract

During a project focusing on household waste a collaborative approach was deemed necessary. Researchers and stakeholders went through a series of workshops starting and ending with an appreciative inquiry which directed the ongoing action research process. This article discusses this process and presents a model for this methodology. Envisioning the results from the outset aided the collaborators’ action. Further, the workshop series formed a collaborative forum in which to discuss progress and issues that occurred during the process. Appreciative inquiry aided the collaborators and provided a starting and end point for the action research process.