What is Organization Development (OD)?

Organization Development is a dynamic values-based approach to systems change in organizations and communities; it strives to build the capacity to achieve and sustain a new desired state that benefits the organization or community and the world around them.

It cultivates shared underlying beliefs in human potential and the importance of creating work settings that allow both people and the organization to thrive. OD optimizes the use of human talent in service to the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and strategies. It helps people work and live more effectively together.

Like any other body of knowledge, it has theories, concepts, models, methods, and techniques. It also has an important set of values that guides most work. These key values Include:

• Respect and Inclusion—equally values the perspectives and opinions of participants
• Collaboration—builds collaborative relationships between the practitioner and the client while encouraging collaboration throughout the client system
• Authenticity—strives for authenticity and congruence and encourages these qualities in their clients
• Self-awareness – commits to developing self-awareness and interpersonal skills. OD practitioners engage in personal and professional development though lifelong learning.
• Empowerment –focuses efforts on helping everyone in the client organization or community increase their autonomy and empowerment to levels that make the workplace and/or community satisfying and productive.