Human resource management practice I also available by michael armstrong

Chapter 

12

  Organization Development

165

Questions

4 

What were the main criticisms made of OD in 

the 1980s and 1990s?

5 

How has the approach to OD altered since 

then?

Organization development strategy

Organization development strategy is based on the 

aspiration to improve organizational capability, which 

is broadly the capacity of an organization to function 

effectively in order to achieve desired results.

The practice of organization 

development

The practice of organization development is based 

on an analysis and diagnosis of the circumstances  

of the organization, the strategic, operational or 

process issues that are affecting the organization 

and its ability to perform well. This involves the use 

of diagnostic tools.

Organization development programmes

The traditional OD programme was behavioural 

science-based and almost entirely devoted to 

interpersonal relationships, organizational processes 

and culture change in the broadest sense. There may 

still be a need for such interventions today but the 

emphasis now is on much more focused activities to 

do with high-performance working, Lean 

manufacturing, smart working and the enhancement 

of levels of engagement.

1 

What was the original concept of organization 

development?