Open and free deliberation: A prerequisite for positive design

Success in designing organizations and management with a positive lens will require multiple forms of positive inquiry. We introduce the model of Deliberative Inquiry based on Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action as a way to create an additional form of positive inquiry. We argue that Deliberative Inquiry and Appreciative Inquiry naturally complement and support each other in providing a suitable approach to positive design. Whereas the flagship contribution of Appreciative Inquiry is a breakaway from deficit-oriented thinking and a focus on life-generating forces, Deliberative Inquiry’s hallmark is the elimination of artificially imposed constraints through rational discourse. Appreciative Inquiry seeks strengths from positive emotions, while Deliberative Inquiry employs positive critique to unmask barriers to change and arrive at morally, ethically and pragmatically sound decisions by mutual and authentic agreement. We conclude by raising some guiding questions for the possibility of providing computer support for such inquiring systems.