Organisation Development

What is organisation development?

Organisation development is a planned process of change. This leads to a more creative response of an organisation to its environment.

Progress is faster when an independent outsider enables trust and sharing so people are more open and direct.

One example from my experience

PrinciplePractice
A client manager has a needThe manager noted that customer service on a complex product was consistently poor and needed improving
Valid data is collected from those who know what is going on Key managers in the nine departments involved were interviewed in confidence
The data is fed back and discussed openlyAll the managers met to listen to each other, look at the whole picture and work out what it means
The group decides what they will do to make improvementsThe group decided to stop blaming each other for poor customer service and to work together to improve it.
The group makes improvements and evaluates the results They set up monitoring procedures and involved their staff in creating improvements. All now took responsibility and actively helped each other.

Summary

Organisation Development is an educational approach. Each successful experience with it increases the capacity of the organisation to resolve other issues in the future. It also develops individuals.

You can use it to solve management problems such as high turnover, low motivation, change programmes that are not working, cost reduction, reducing unnecessary work, productivity improvement and relocation. When used skilfully it will lead to increased commitment of staff and managers.

Quote from a member of the group 

One year after the start of the work, customer service has radically improved. Also, relationships between the Departments have improved permanently. I have learned a lot and greatly enjoyed working with you. It was fun too.

If you would like help using this idea, or have any comments or questions please contact me. Thanks, Nick