A study to explore organizational conditions that facilitate workplace learning involved 35 resource development consultants in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and line staff from 22 organizations in a 9-hour participatory research workshop using Appreciative Inquiry--a technology emphasizing the positive or "life-giving" forces which contribute to a person's ability to be effective in an organization. The workshop format consisted of three separate 3-hour segments. Session 1 activities included naming 235 life-giving forces, grouping them into 17 categories, naming the affirmative topics, and selecting topics related to self-directed learning. Between sessions, the steering committee met to collapse the 17 categories into 7 topic headings. A 42-cell matrix was created to guide examination of the effects of these 7 life-giving forces upon Weisbord's (1976) 6 organizational factors. The second session was devoted to developing "provocative propositions" for each cell. During the final session, participants validated the final "provocative propositions." Using thematic analysis, 10 main propositions or major enhancers of self-directed learning in the workplace were identified: continuous improvement, involving individuals, taking personal responsibility, harmonious values, leadership that sets an example, valuing differences, communication, taking risks, teamwork, and innovation. (Appendixes include a description of the five steps in the Appreciative Inquiry process, information on development of the affirmative topics, 42 provocative propositions, a summary of participant evaluations, and definitions of the 10 organizational enhancers of self-directed learning. Contains 21 references.) (YLB)