Organizational development is defined as: a set of behavioral science-based theories, values, strategies, and technologies aimed at planned change of the organizational work dieting for the purpose of enhancing individual development and improving organizational performance, through the alteration of organizational members’ on- the-Job behaviors (French ; Bell, 1995; Operas ; Robertson, 1992, P. 722). In understanding organizational development one should know the process and the theories surrounding the development.
The process of organizational development can be broken down Into three steps which consist of diagnosis, Intervention, and evaluation. This process Is salary to Linen’s three step model of the organizational change process that Is unfreezing, transformation, and refreezing. Diagnosis is an in-depth look at the organization collecting all information pertaining to the organization such as the strengths and weaknesses. Once the situation has been diagnosed then the organization can start an intervention while reviewing their strategies implementing new procedures or reviewing the organizations current techniques.
Now that we have diagnosed the problem and looked at intervention methods that can correct the development of the organization we can move on to the final step evaluation. We are now able to evaluate the changes that have been made o see how and If the changes are providing the results the organizations looking for. It is Important to remember that although there are plenty of theoretical views of organizational change much more emphasis needs to be placed upon applied research on the change process Itself (Brainstem, D. N. 1974).
Identifying the theories associated with organizational development can provide organizations with the theory that best fits the needs of the organization. A few theories that work well with organizational development are The Linen’s Three Step Theory and The General System Theory both have provided desired results among organizations in need of change. The Lenin three step Theory is a very simple formula but has proven itself to be a valuable asset in an organizations development. In this theory as early discussed the process is diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.
In the General System Theory the basic Idea applied to organizations, is that organizations import material from the environment, transform that input, and ultimately return It to the environment In some altered form (Ex,; Bruit, 2008. P. 482). Burke’s theory on organizational change also reflects the external environment. The necessary conditions for an organization to successfully change and development are: top management support, the consultant who guides the organization through the change and development process Ex,& Bruit, 2008.
P. 498). Top Management support is a huge factor without having management on your team there is not too much that can be done or changed since management is responsible for most planning within an organization. Organizational consultants have a big impact on the operation being successful. The consultant must be knowledgeable while understanding the risk involved in the organizations development and completely and effectively understand the proper procedures and protocol to be able to guide the organization to the results that they desire.
Being able to provide employees of the organization with a positive or supportive process for change is very important, most people are reluctant to change and it can be scary maybe even over whelming. Ownership for change and developmental process can be hard work and in most cases it is easier to hire a consultant this way the blame can be placed elsewhere although the vision has to come from the organization to achieve the results needed, all of the factors listed above are needed for successful change and development.
Organizational development has major impact on an organization, how it runs, how the employees operate, daily operations, missions, visions, and how effective the organization is running. Just as with any goal you have objectives a process that must be followed in order to achieve your mission, your objectives serve as your stepping stones to guide you down your path. When one is broken then it makes it hard to use hat step so you start to detour around it. By using a process you can fix the step and continue on your pathway.
Understanding different theories helps the organizations see that others have been where they are and provides them with a vision on how to fix the problems that they are facing. Within any organization there will be factors or conditions that have to be considered and preplanned for because you never know what hurdle you may have to cross you have to expect the unexpected and hope for the best. It is important for management to be prepared, stand behind and be opportune of the organizational change and development for it to be completely successful.
