On Demand Open Source Software

Organizational Development - What's the point, what have you learned from it?

I'm taking a class called Organizational Development. I've been asked what I have collected about my life/work learning in this area. Not sure what to say. Anyone have any examples of what they have learned? I am so lost and don't seem to think I have learned anything in this area previously or currently. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Not sure, sorry. It might be worth developing your organisational skills to learn more about it :-)
2. Ah, you've been introduced to organization development, or OD. It can be VERY frustrating at times. :) OD is defined so broadly in academia (by professors who specialize in organization development) that almost anything can be considered organization development, so don't feel bad about feeling like you didn't learn anything. Basically, OD is assisting people with change in organizations. This is done in various ways, and whenever an organization, or a person, changes, it's difficult to measure or quantify - therefore, the field of OD is "fuzzy". If you've been asked what you've learned in this area, I would focus on what changes you've noticed in yourself, and explain how these changes can affect both your personal and professional lives. For example, if you've read about a theory in an OD textbook, discuss the theory, how the theory can be used to manage change in organizations, and explain how the theory can be used to help you make changes in your personal and professional life. This is a cool field - but also a confusing one if you've taken it for the first time. :)