What is Organization Development?

Project bubble thinking map image

Organization Development defined

Organization Development is:

Planned
Organization-wide
Managed from the top
A method to organization effectiveness and health
Done through planned interventions in the organization's "processes,” using behavioral-science knowledge.

Richard Beckhard's 1969 Organization Development: Strategies and Models

Visit our Resources Page for more information on the OD profession and its practice.

Problem Analysis Image

What OD professionals do:

Define needs and dig into trends
Design interventions that get to the heart of issues
Design interventions that get to the heart of issues
Develop tools and strategies to build talent of the future
Conduct analysis to deepen understanding
Facilitate dialogue and open lines of communication previously unspoken
Offer recommendations that align with business objectives
Focus on People (individuals, groups and teams)
Focus on the Organization (structure, systems and processes)

Success Image

How OD benefits leaders, employees & organizations

Initiate and support organization culture change

Drive engagement of employees
Facilitate growth and development
Introduce new tools and resources
Make meaning out of data
Encourage collaboration
Increase effectiveness
Improve performance
Strengthen system and process improvement
Develop sustainable measurement capability

Global OD Framework

The International ODNetwork has adopted a Global Framework for OD practitioners. Visit ODN's Framework page on their website to learn more.

Global OD Practice Framework Image

Roots of Organization Development

What are the roots, foundations and latest advances in Organization Development? American University School of Public Affairs Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence Bob Marshak presents an in-depth look at more than 70 years of developments in less than 15 minutes.

Common OD Areas of Practice

Common OD Practice Bubble Map Image

Greater Orlando Organization Development Network