Choosing Appreciative Conversations for Nonprofit Board Development: Using an Appreciative Inquiry Lens to Align Board Action Plans with Organizational Mission and Strategies

This action research project explored how sharing stories of board excellence through an appreciative inquiry process could strengthen a nonprofit board. By participating in the Appreciative Inquiry cycle, board members shared stories, identified themes that contributed to higher board efficacy, constructed a shared vision, and developed an action plan. Through narrative inquiry interviews, the researcher assessed participants' perceptions regarding the effect of the process on individual and team learning, commitment to action, and group effectiveness. The research also revealed themes related to teams, group development, leadership, board structure and processes, and the social construction of meaning. The Appreciative Inquiry process resulted in tangible changes in group dynamics and inspired commitment to actions which enhanced the nonprofit board's ability to achieve the organization's strategic objectives.