Chapter 19: Organizational Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, models, and processes of Organizational Development based on Chapter 19 lecture notes.

Organization Development

A planned process of change using behavioral science in an organization-wide process, utilizing a systematic approach to problem solving with the goal of improving the effectiveness of the organization.

Open Systems View

A perspective in OD which recognizes that if one part of the organization is impacted by change, an effect will be felt in another part of the organization.

Action Research

A continuous examination of the progress of interventions based on data, used as a model to represent the complex activities that occur in a change process.

OD Practitioner

Internal or external consultants who facilitate change initiatives and offer professional services to managers, department heads, and staff groups.

Appreciative Inquiry

A paradigm shift from traditional action research that suggests organizational change should begin by looking at positive attributes and visualizing a future direction.

Techno-structural

One of the four categories used for planning and implementing change within an organization.

Human Process

A category of change implementation focused on the interpersonal and social dynamics within an organization.

Strategic Change

A category of planning and implementing change that addresses the organization's relationship with its environment and its competitive strategy.

Human Resources Management Change

A category of planning and implementing change focused on systems like rewards, performance management, and training.

Interventions

Specific activities designed to improve organizational performance, such as team building, process improvement, total quality management, and work redesign.

Group Cohesiveness

The degree to which members are attracted to the group and motivated to remain a part of it.

Groupthink

A phenomenon where the desire for group harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.

Step 1: Action Research Model

Identify organizational problem.

Step 2: Action Research Model

Engage OD consultant.

Step 3: Action Research Model

Initial fact finding of issues.

Step 4: Action Research Model

Feedback to key stakeholders.

Step 5: Action Research Model

Agreement on issues.

Step 6: Action Research Model

Plan course of action.

Step 7: Action Research Model

Implement intervention.

Step 8: Action Research Model

Evaluate intervention effectiveness.