What is Organisation Development?

OD or Organisation development is:•A profession; with it’s own body of theories and

tools•An approach to addressing needs of building

and leading organisations

A formal definition of OD

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

Source: Mary Eggers and Allan Church; ODNetwork

OD: Principles of Practice

Values Based Respect & Inclusion, Collaboration, Authenticity, Self-awareness, Empowerment

Supported by Theory Multi-disciplinary; drawing on understanding of human systems

Systems Focus Open-systems view; change in one area results in changes in other areas

Action Research Continuous re-examination; integrates discoveries throughout the change process

Process Focused Process level focus to bring about positive change in the desired direction

Informed by Data Proactive inquiry and assessment of internal envt; tools used to collect data

Client Centered “Client” need; involvement of the client; “who is the client” clarification is important

Effectiveness & Health Create and sustain a healthy effective human system

Source: Mary Eggers and Allan Church; ODNetwork

• Some of the common OD tools and interventions include, but are not limited to:– Coaching– Consulting– Large group interactions– Survey Feedback– Focus Groups– 360 feedback– Observation– Story Telling

OD: Tools & Interventions

• OD is:– Creating a Shared Vision– Management &

Leadership development– Employee

Communication & Feedback

– Teambuilding– Enabling and Managing

change

• Typically, OD folks are part of the HR function

• Quality facilitators are also OD practitioners

• OD consultants may be internal or external to an organisation

• HRM is about:– Recruitment, Staffing,

Selection– Performance Management– Compensation & Benefits

Management– Training Management– HRIS– Legal Compliance– Generalist Support

• Close link between strategic HR roles and OD

• Good strategic HR partners base their practice on key OD principles

• An OD approach to implementing HRM practices facilitates success

OD & Human Resource Management

Example: Systems View of Talent Management

•Personality Tests•Role Plays•In-baskets•Structured Interviews

•Goal & Competency Assessment•Development Planning

•Training•Coaching•360 feedback•Development Centers

•Position requirements•Individual readiness

CoreValues &

LeadershipCompetencies

Selection System

PerformanceManagement

System

Management Development

Succession Planning