What is Organizational development..? What is OD Process..? Characteristic of Organizational development

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ��

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University 1

Introduction

Organizational Development (OD) is a field of research, theory, and practice dedicated to

expanding the knowledge and effectiveness of people to accomplish more successful

organizational change and performance.

OD is a process of continuous diagnosis, action planning, implementation and evaluation,

with the goal of transferring knowledge and skills to organizations to improve their

capacity for solving problems and managing future change.

Definition of Organization Development

Organization Development (OD) concerns system wide planned change, uses behavioral

science knowledge, targets human and social process of organizations, and intends to

build the capacity to adapt and renew organizations

-Cummings & Worley, 2001

OD is a long range effort to improve an organization's problem solving and renewal

process, particularly through a more effective and collaborative management of

organizational culture with special emphasis on the culture of formal work teams with the

assistance of a change agent or catalyst, and the use of the theory and technology of

applied behavioral science including action research.

What is OD? (Organization Development)

The “O” is about organizations (systems) of all kinds; the units throughout society that

are human organizations existing to accomplish some purpose,

The “D” is about change & improvement; growing towards something, getting better at

one’s mission, improving how work gets done & people live their lives.

OD is...

• A mindset (way of seeing the organization world)

• A set of value-based perspectives

• A philosophy of organizing, managing and changing organizations that

include the human element.

• An integration, across disciplines, of theories, concepts and methods, for

understanding & changing human systems (anthropology, psychology,

sociology, behavioral science)

• A field of study & practice



Nature of Organizational Development

In 1960’s the concept ‘Organization Development’ was first coined as the area of study

in business discipline. It is a long term process. Organization development is a systematic

process. Through this process both human and non-human aspects are supposed to be

improving. Every organization contains supra system under the total system. Sometimes

it faces external and internal influences. Organization involves people, machineries,

methods work, relationships, and coordination so on. These are all every changing. These

components do not remain unchanged for a long time. Human qualities need to be

developed, machineries become obsolete, methods of work is changeable, relationship

among the people in either improving or in some cases hampering due to the expiry of

time.

To adjust with these changes organization has to undertake some measures. These

measures may be termed as organization development. Organization development is an

ongoing, systematic and continuous process. This process is initiated to implement any

sort of change in the organization. If the changes take place with preplanned goal,

positive intention and in a scientific mood it may be hope that organization development

will be ensured. It is interdisciplinary in nature and draws on sociology, psychology and

theories of motivation, learning and personality. Organization development is a growing

field that is responsive to many news approaches.

Meaning:

Different people have defined Organizational Development (OD) differently. According

to Koonz et. al, “OD is a systematic integrated and planned approach to improve the

effectiveness of the enterprise. It is designed to solve problems that adversely affect the

operational efficiency at all levels”.

Burke’ has defined OD as “a planned process of change in an organization’s culture

through the utilization of behavioral science technology, research and theory”.

In the opinion of French and Bell “OD is a systematic approach to organizational

improvement, that applies behavioral science theory and research in order to increase

individual and organizational well-being and effectiveness”.

Now, OD can be defined as a long-term, more encompassing change approach meant to

improve individual as well as organizational well-being in a changed situation”.



Characteristics of organization development

1. Focus on culture and process: Organization development on culture and process

of proper and organization on following suitable and positive culture level and

process success organization development program depend.

2. Collaboration: Organization development encourages heartfelt collaboration

between managers and employees and members managing culture and processes.

3. Accomplishment of tasks: Various kinds of teams and groups play important

roles for accomplishment of organization development activities. Thus targets can

also be achieved.



4. Human and social sides: Organization development focuses on both human and

social sides. By doing so, it intervenes in the technological and structural sides

also.

5. Participation: Participation and involvement of managers and players can make

the organization development process a success. It helps to exchange views and

ideal related to organization development.

6. System change: Organization development focuses on total system change.

Because every change is inevitable for the success of any development program.

7. Facilitation: There are three parties to organization development process. They

are facilitators, collaborators and co-learners in the client system. Cooperation of

all these parties can help the organization to develop.

8. Over arching goals: An overarching goal of the organization is to make the

client system able to solve its problems. It is done by teaching the skills and

knowledge on continuous learning through self analytical methods.

9. Action research model: Organization development activities are undertaken

following the conclusions and recommendations of action research members

related to client system.

10. Developmental view: Organization development takes a developmental view for

the betterment of both process and organization. Another practice in organization

development programs is to create win-win solutions.

The above points mainly characterize the organization development. This does not mean

that there may not be other characteristics of organization development.



Objectives of Organization Development:

As objectives of organization development are framed keeping in view specific

situations, they vary from one situation to another, In other words, these programs are

tailored to meet the requirements of particular situation. But broadly specking all

organization development programs try to attain the objectives which are briefly

discussed below:

1. To apply behavioral science theories: The first objective of organization

development is to apply some behavioral science theories in the organization. By

applying these theories organization development practices hope for development.

2. To improve organizational performance: Another objective of organization

development is to improve the overall performance of organization. Thus

organization can be established as one of the important institutions in human

history.

3. To ensure proper use of individual efforts: Individual performance should be

improved. This is possible by using individual efforts properly. Organization

development ensures proper use of human efforts and commitment.

4. To create awareness: Organization development crates awareness among the

people working in the enterprise. They feel the need for change in comparison

with other organizations.

5. To encourage people to solve problems: Every organization has many

problems and challenges. Organization development encourages people to solve

these problems and face challenges at present and future.

6. To establish and maintain interpersonal relations: Organization development

activities may be implemented with a view to establishing and at the same time

maintains interpersonal relations among the people of the organization. This can

insure continuous growth.

7. To create & maintain work environment: Working environment must be

favorable in the organization. Organization development practitioner’s to create

favorable working environment and maintain the same for smooth functioning in

future.

8. To increase knowledge & skills: Knowledge on latest methods and skills can

streamline the growth of any organization. Organization development intends to

increase the knowledge and skill levels through training.



9. To minimize resistance to change: In most of the cases, every change is resisted,

it hampers goal achievement. Organization development helps minimize the

resistance to change in a positive mood so that management becomes more alert.

10. To create job satisfaction: Job satisfaction encourages the people to work hard

with joy. Organization development creates job satisfaction of employees who are

involved in organization development activities.

11. To increase motivation level: Motivation creates interest for work among the

employees. Therefore another important objective of organization development is

to increase motivation.

12. To crate supportive values: Every organization and employee has some values

and norms. The values and norms can help the organization to uphold its own

culture. Organization development creates supportive suitable values and norms.



Assumptions of organization development

There are some assumptions organization development (OD). These assumptions have

been classified basically into 3 (three) types first as follows:

1. Individuals assumptions

2. Groups assumptions

3. Organizations assumptions

Newstrom and Davis have pointed out some assumptions under each category. They are

as follows:

1. Individuals: Some assumptions which are related to different individuals are listed

below:

• People want to grow and nature

• Employees have much to offer (e.g.: energy and creativity) that is not how being

used at work.

• Most employees desire the opportunity to contribute they desire.



2. Groups: Every group has many assumptions. In this para three assumptions have been

underlined.

• Groups and teams are critical to organizational success.

• Groups have been powerful influences on individual behavior.

• The complex roles to be played in groups require skill development.

3. Organization: A few assumptions are prevailing regarding organization also. These

are follows:

• Excessive controls, policies and rules and determined.

• Conflict can be functional if properly channeled.

• Individual and organizational goals can be compatible.



Organization development process

Organization development (OD) is a complex and long process. Sometimes it takes a year

or more than a year to design, executes and gets end fruits. In some cases it can continue

indefinitely. Organization development process eaters to move the organization from

present position to better future position. The process consists of five steps. They are as

under:

1. Data collection: Surveys may be made to determine organizational climate and

behavioral problems. The consultant usually meets with groups away for work to develop

information from questions such as these:

• What kinds of conditions contribute most to your job effectiveness?

• What kinds of conditions interfere with your job effectiveness?

• What would you most like to change in the way this organization operates?

• The by-products of data collection include the identification of performance gaps

deficiencies in the way the organization operates and abseiling in the way the

organization operates and baseline information a portrait of the organizations

current level of operations for later comparison with the effects of OD efforts?

2. Data feedback and confrontation: Work groups are assigned to review the data

collected, to medicate areas of disagreement, and to establish priorities for change.

3. Action planning and problem solving: Groups use the data to develop specific

recommendations for change. Discussion focuses on actual problems in the organization.

Plans are specific, including who is responsible and when the action should be

completed.



4. Use of intentions: Once the action planning is completed, the consultant helps the

participants select and use appropriate OD interventions, Depending on the nature of the

key problems; the intervention may focus on individuals, teams. Interdepartmental

relating or the total organization.

5. Evaluation and follow-up: The consultant helps the organization evaluate the results

of tits OD efforts and develop additional programs in areas where additional results are

needed.



REFERENCES :

http://www.med.upenn.edu/hbhe4/part4-ch15-organizational-development-

theory.shtml

http://bankofinfo.com/characteristics-of-organization-development/

http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/

Education

What is Organizational development..? What is OD Process..? Characteristic of Organizational development