Organizational Development

Organization Development
Diana Salisbury
PSY/428
November 22, 2010
Adinah Johnson

Abstract
In todays fast pace business world, the necessity for organizational change and development is more important than ever for an organization to survive and thrive.   This paper will explain the organizational development process, identify key theories associated with organization development, and describe the conditions necessary for successful organization change and development.   It will also explain why organization development is important in today’s economy.
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Organization Development
Organizational development encompasses the whole organization in a managed effort designed to expand effectiveness and efficiency through a planned intervention in the business processes.   The organizational development process starts with the identification of problems that need be resolved within the organization.   The process cycles through seven stages or phases and terminates only when the desired results are obtained.   The seven phases or stages are
  * Problem identification
  * Assessment of the situation
  * Action plan
  * Implementing the plan
  * Evaluate the action plan
  * Analyze the results
  * Feedback
Once the problem has been identified, a formal assessment of the impact the problem has had on the organization should be done.   From the assessment, an action plan can be made and implemented.   Evaluating and analyzing the plan after the implementation will determine if the correct action plan is in place.   If the problem is not rectified, then the cycle will have to begin all over again until satisfaction results can be obtained (Rasing, 2010).
Several theories are related to organizational development.   Lewin’s theory advocates that there are three steps to organizational development.   The three steps are unfreezing, transformation, and refreezing.   Unfreezing happens when the organization recognizes there is a need for change.... [continues]

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