The study of Organisation Development (OD) is a recognised field of organisational science focusing on planned, systematic interventions designed to improve organizational effectiveness and facilitate change. OD is a planned strategy to bring about change. OD aims to improve the survival chances and adaptability of organisations by adopting programs that will enhance problem-solving processes.
According to Richard Beckhard, “Organisation development is an effort: (1) planned, (2) organisation-wide, (3) managed from the top, (4) to increase organisation effectiveness and health, (5) planned interventions in the organisation’s processes using behavioural science knowledge.”
Another leading voice in the OD space, Donald Brown elucidates the basic characteristics of the field of OD. They include the following
a) Change
b) Collaborative approach
c) Performance orientation
d) Humanistic orientation
e) Systems approach
f) Scientific method.
OD examines the organisational culture, socialisation processes, team development, decision-making processes, interpersonal communications, and the psychological contracts between employees and their employers.
OD focuses on aligning the organization’s structure, processes, culture, and people with its strategic goals and objectives.
In conclusion, OD aims to improve organisational health and effectiveness by applying planned, systematic change programmes.
