The study seeks to explore and discover the value of the Campbell Collections in the newly merged institution that is the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Whitney & Trosten-Bloom (2003:36) argue that "the greatest challenge facing merging organizations is the challenge of building relationships and bonds between people".
Overview of the literature review on Appreciative Inquiry (AI)
The choice of the two Ds is made on the basis of their relevance and appropriateness to the study's focus. Reed (2007:33) further states that "the product of the discovery phase forms the foundation for the dream phase".
Purpose Statement
Sullivan (2004:4) argues that the adoption of AI approach in most libraries today requires a major shift in the set of beliefs and assumptions about how to bring about change. The best use of artificial intelligence in any organizational development strategy depends heavily on the commitment of senior management.
Overview of the Research Design
This comment made this researcher aware of the need to be careful and ensure that all concepts that are part of the study are fully understood by the participants. AI's focus on the positives of the past, present, hopes, dreams and desires for the organization's future cannot be overemphasized.
Limitations of the study
Chapter five is the concluding chapter, which will summarize the previous chapters and provide recommendations for future research based on the 4D cycle.
Literature review
Theories of Change
Communication, feedback and group coordination are essential elements in this step of the change process. The movement of intentional change from precontemplation to contemplation about the issue is the first aspect of the model.
Change Theories Discussion
Theory of rational action and planned behavior and social cognitive theory The above theories have something in common. The reason for choosing social cognitive theory is the perceived relationship it has with Appreciative Inquiry.
Background of Appreciative Inquiry
In support of definitions of AI, Sullivan (2004:2) believes that AI is "an approach to planned change that begins with careful attention and identification of what has worked and what works in the present". They add that "the constructivist principle places human communication and language at the center of human organization and change." In the words of therapist Marilee Goldberg, "the moment of questioning is also a moment of choice, which usually holds the greatest power for effective action and positive change" (Whitney & Trosten-Bloom, 2003:58).
While Bushe's 1995 argument differs by saying that “the positive in AI is not about feeling, but about purpose” (quoted in Bushe 2007:3). According to this principle, transformation happens when we start living our dreams for the future in the present. He says that "positive changes occur when images and visions of a more desirable future are realized in the present" (Whitney & Trosten-Bloom, 2003:72).
Images we have of the future influence the decisions and actions we take in the present” (Whitney & Trosten-Bloom, 2003:52).
Use of Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Inquiry vs. Traditional Approaches
With traditional approaches it is different; the purpose of interviews is to uncover problems. Firstly, it is fully corrective, inquiry-based and finally, it is improvisational (Whitney & Trosten–Bloom, 2003:10). Cooperrider & Whitney cited in (Whitney & Trosten–Bloom, 2003:11) agree that such an approach leads to reduced organizational capacity.
It is able to create absolutely positive questions and to feed many people with questions of organizational significance and vitality (Whitney & Trosten–Bloom, 2003:12). It also "allow[s] leaders to create naturally human organizations – knowledge-rich, strength-based and adaptive learning organizations" (Whitney & Trosten–Bloom, 2003:19). AI is criticized for being an action research that never gets into the business of problem solving as action research does.
On the other hand, AR is the 'diagnostic intervention approach' which seeks to identify problems and help tackle those problems.
Appreciative Inquiry Research Process
Cooperrider & Srivastva (1987:2) presented “Appreciative Inquiry as a form of action research (AR) that meets the criteria of science as stated in generative-theoretic terms”. AR is action-oriented and ignores theory, so many people underestimate the power of theory. AI is rising above being the best OD approach, suitable for taking organizations to the next level.
This brings this discussion to the two key concepts which are: the appreciative perspective and the appreciative inquiry. The two concepts differ in the sense that appreciative perspective focuses on recognition, values and affirmation, while AI means a search, a willingness to discover and an openness to learn (Whitney & Trosten – Bloom, 2003:12). Whitney and Trosten-Bloom (2003:14) argue that the AI approach changes and improvises in several ways.
Their argument is that AI is not tightly structured, but based on ethics and typically follows the structure of a 4-D cycle.
Study Methodology
Introduction
Research Approach/ Paradigm
Study Methodology
- Overview of Qualitative Approach
- Overview of Appreciative Inquiry Approach
- Case study methodology
It means that the study methodology is chosen according to the needs of the study and its suitability with the purpose of the study. The methodologies and methods in the study were used in a way that fits the 4 D cycle with special emphasis on the stages of Discovery and Dreaming. The selected paradigm guided the researcher in the methods that are appropriate for the study.
This was a technique used by the researcher in the process of discovery and data collection during the dream phase. Therefore, the use of only two Ds in the study is justified, as it is only a research process and not a complete intervention. The size of the study and time constraints were also reasons that influenced the researcher's choice of the two phases.
Applying the AI theoretical insights to the research gave the researcher a new research experience, and the outcome of the interview process provided positive data.
Snap shot of Campbell Collections
Research Design
- Sampling
- Discovery
- Dream phase
- Design phase
This is therefore closer to the ideas of qualitative research, where sampling is described as purposive or theoretical. Defining change is an important part of the process and can be seen as the first phase of an assignment. The discovery phase is about discovering the strengths of the organization and appreciating the organization's best moments (Lewis et al. 2008:49).
It is about seeking and revealing the unique characteristics of the organization: its leadership, history, reasons for existence, or values, which have contributed to its life and success. What comes out of one's mouth is a reflection of the inner dialogue one has with one's heart and mind, and the positive or involuntary view one has of oneself in the world. The Dream Phase is grounded in the history of the organization, rather than being limitless thinking and this phase is very practical.
This phase builds on the best aspects of the organization discovered in the discovery phase and projects this into their desires.
Methods of data collection / Research Techniques
- Appreciative Interviews
- One-on-one Interviews
- Focus groups
The focus of the first dimension is on recognition and celebration of learning and transformation in the process. The different techniques and methods used in the study were basically selected to achieve different objectives throughout the process. An in-depth individual interview is defined as the process in which the researcher is only interested in the process by which the content of the conversation came about (Barbie & Mouton, 2001:291).
This technique also allows telephone interviews to be conducted, and that advantage was drawn and utilized in the study due to physical unavailability of some participants, which the researcher thought would add value to the study. Discussions one has in the study are 'focused' in the sense that they concentrate on specific issues. However, some decisions had to be made before the study, for example the decision about who should be invited to participate in the study and the time frame for the study.
Two group interviews were conducted in the study, each consisting of four employees.
Methods Analysis and Interpretation
Barbie & Mouton state that "One-on-one interviews are generally conducted by the members of the organization", which amounts to an inside perspective. It is also important to refer to information as you go along and to add any background sounds and note movements or facial expression if you can remember them. It is not advisable for a researcher to wait to obtain a complete data record before starting analysis.
Reed goes on to say that the process of understanding this information is often challenging and unclear: “It is sometimes difficult to follow the steps that have been taken, and when the investigation draws conclusions, it is difficult to decide whether they are justified or not. reasonable". Tools are proposed that can shape the sense-making phase of the AI research project. It is essential to ensure that the methods are dynamic and clear so that “any contribution to.
Transparency is essential for AI data analysis, which means that the analysis procedures must be explicit in the study accounts so that the audience can decide for themselves whether the conclusions are justified or not (Reed.
Data Analysis
- Narrative Analysis of the study
- Themes and Patterns
- Reflection
- Personal Learning & Interpretation
- Relationships
- Strengths
- Core Business
- Issues that emerged
- Conclusion
- Limitations of the study
- Recommendations
The study revealed that the Campbell Collections unit after merger is still strong, it has great strength. The value of Campbell Collections does not appear to be alive in the current leadership. The title of the study is An Appreciative Inquiry approach into the post-merger Campbell Collections - University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The intent of the study, using the best of Campbell collections, was achieved. The study objective was to explore and enhance the positives, strengths, and value of the Campbell collections post-merger. The study results show that the merger had both a positive and a negative impact on the Campbell Collections.
The study was limited to the Campbell Collections; therefore, the information generated is applicable to that center.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A systems approach study into the challenges of service management: a study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal student administration system. The four crucial decisions that broke the deal., USA, Havard: Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication Data. Using systems thinking to create a viable student recruitment model; addressing conflicting concerns in the student recruitment process.
Making the most of your data: A handbook of practical ideas on how to analyze qualitative data.Great Britain, Billing & Sons Ltd.
APPENDIX
Modified Appreciative Inquiry Cycle Questionnaires
Killie Campbell Library is popular with international visitors and researchers, local historians and others from the area. How can you best market it to the local people, and other university staff and students from other disciplines besides history students - name three things. The analysis is based on the data collected from the two groups interviewed and three one-on-one interviews.
Rich picture: Represent the complexity of the systems merged
