Robert Burke, during his MBA work, researched the literature around Appreciative Inquiry and wrote this informative and inspiring paper. He writes:

“You see, last year I learned of an exciting new approach towards organizational development. The name of this approach is Appreciative Inquiry or AI for short. I was in the fourth module of a six-module career integrated MBA program offered at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield MI. Our esteemed professor, Dr. Jacqueline Stavos, had introduced our class to the theory and process of Appreciative Inquiry as an approach to affecting positive change within organizations. Appreciative Inquiry was developed in the 1980’s by Dr. David L. Cooperrider of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH. Learning of Appreciative Inquiry ignited a career passion within me – a passion that would transform my career ambitions and my life. Thus, Appreciative Inquiry became the theme running through my final MBA projects to complete my requirements. Part of my requirements is to complete a literature review on Appreciative Inquiry. The sections, which follow, will take you through my review. My over-arching goals for this paper are to provide you, the reader, with the following:
 An understanding of what Appreciative Inquiry is, its origins and development over the years;
 An idea of the various themes in common within the Appreciative Inquiry publications I reviewed; and
 A suggestion for areas of focus for future Appreciative Inquiry publications.

While contemplating the structure for this paper, Michelle (my wife) was perusing the Internet and found the poem I mentioned earlier. At once, I knew that I needed to share it with you as an introductory glimpse into the philosophy and spirit of Appreciative Inquiry:
ODE TO DESTINY

Watch your thoughts for they become your words.
Watch your words for they become your actions.
Watch your actions for they become your habits.
Watch your habits for they become your character.

Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.
(Author Unknown)”