| In a review of the current literature and research on the practice of appreciative inquiry (AI), it is evident that changes in meaning schemas reported by participants are consistent with the process of transformative learning (TL) as described by Mezirow. In this qualitative research, I explored and described how AI participants understand and make meaning of their transformative experiences, comparing these experiences to Mezirow's TL theory. The sample population consisted of self-selected participants who reported a positive change they attributed to an AI event. First. I used a method of constant comparative analysis suggested by grounded theory. Then a deductive analysis using a transformative learning coding key, later, I triangulated the data.; My research revealed that 73% of the participants who attended an AI summit experienced TL. Overall, 38% of the participants experienced a change of perspective consistent with TL, while 62% experienced an alignment of their values with AI. The process of TL followed Mezirow's model and other unique models of TL. Positive emotional experiences played a significant role in offsetting the experience of negative emotions. This research resulted in a new model of TL, which better describes the experiences of the research participants, and may be more inclusive and complete. This research increases our understanding of the process of TL, how AI might promote and foster TL, and the role of positivity and positive emotions in the process of TL.; Keywords. Transformative Learning, Appreciative Inquiry, Organizational Behavior, Positive Psychology, Positive Emotions, Qualitative Analysis, Grounded Theory. |
