Combination of appreciative inquiry (AI) and critical theory (CT) AI is an action research method CT is a process of evaluation In this study: AI follows the intent of the 4D cycle, Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver CT incorporates Habermas’ concepts of ‘lifeworld’, the ‘system’ and ‘civil society’ Lifeworld sit well with Dream phase of AI - a space for freedom and equality The System’s ‘currencies’ of money & power complicates actions These impacts and implications are critically ‘appreciated’ Using AI and CT together in CAP need not be a paradox AI & CT shares transformational intent Critical appreciative process (CAP)

CAP forms a reflexive lens to view social reality through CAP refocuses the concept of appreciation, providing deeper insight into things CAP provides balance to both AI and CT CAP reduces the risk of distortions in AI & CT Bringing a AI and CT together in a CAP: Provides a better understanding of AI as it develops Allow for consideration of the influence of the system on the lifeworld System = administrative state and the market economy Lifeworld = everyday sphere where social interaction take place Contribute towards human flourishing Critical appreciative process (cont).

Cobus Kilian, PhD Candidate Waikato Management School 27 May 2015 Prophetic imagination as a critical appreciative process

Researchers can engage social reality from both rational and prophetic positions (Tillich) PI consist of combination of rational and prophetic critiques Prophetic critique gains concreteness from rational critique Rational critique gain inevitability from prophetic critique The task of a PI is to evoke an alternative consciousness to the dominant culture around us Imagining an alternative world based on faith positions can incorporate any faith I am approaching this from the Christian faith position Two faith principles that influence my view of PI: Humans have inherent value (we are created in the image of God) We are responsible for each other (love your neighbour like yourself) About Prophetic imagination (PI)

Brueggeman commented that: Contemporary society’s focus on consumerism has undermined our ability to believe or act Many have lost their faith traditions Many only focuses on the ‘now’ Resulted in Loss of our collective memory of community A hope in a future is ridiculed Faith traditions are seen as a threat to the prevailing culture PI’s task is to bring the claims of the Christian tradition and the enculturation of consumerism into an effective interface. Incongruities must be pointed out with grace and compassion The purpose of prophetic imagination

Brueggeman -There are two aspects to PI for it to be successful: Critique Domestication of our vision of a world where people are seen as inherently valuable and where humanly created systems are designed to benefit humanity Energize By creating a vision of a time or place that we can move towards where these values are upheld Brueggeman - traces of these two aspects in contemporary Christian actions: Liberal/progressive – some provide good critique on social matters, but little promise of alternative to work towards Politics of social justice, focus in human courage and good intentions. Limited future promise Conservative/fundamental - provide the alternative picture, but do not offer valid criticism of current state Inadvertently using God for social reason, leading to oppression Both alternatives is needed in equal measure There is no ‘freedom of God’ without politics of justice and compassion There is no justice and compassion without the ‘freedom of God’ Prophetic imagination

My study is orientated towards the problem of humanly created suffering in organisational setting PI as CAP allows for: The development of an alternative view of social reality (energise) Provocative proposition as starting point for AI Consideration of influence of ‘the system’ on humanity (criticize) Unmasking the ‘taken for granted’ relationships of domination A step in the direction of emancipation from humanly created suffering, towards human flourishing Application to organisational studies Positioning PI as a worthy companion in organisational studies PI is a bridge between secular and religious thought Social purpose businesses, through civil society, are suggested as potential ‘vehicles’ for PI Prophetic imagination as critical appreciate process

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. (Article 1 – Universal declaration of human rights) God created human beings; He created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. (Gen 1:27) Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down- and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenceless. (Isaiah 1:16-17) Common ground…