| This action research project found that a strength-based inquiry process might contribute to creating high performing teams at The Red Deer Advocate daily newspaper. The study employed appreciative inquiry in an employee survey and an interview matrix focus group to discover the strengths that participants saw in themselves and their organization. The research discovered that employees wanted more recognition, and that they favoured recognition that was genuine, timely and personal. The study concluded that recognition efforts linked to organizational goals might help an organization succeed. The research, supported by literature, showed that creating a culture of recognition could be a simple and inexpensive way to engage staff to meet organizational goals. This is an important concept for cash-strapped organizations. This action research project used primarily qualitative methods and adhered to Royal Roads University's (2007) Research Ethics Policy. |
