This is a relatively brief introduction to the study of organization development (OD). What is organization development? The text notes that (page 2) ". . .an area of academic study and professional practice focused on making organizations better. . . ." This is an interdisciplinary field of study, drawing upon work from business, psychology, human resource management, and so on. The author notes further that (Page 3): "Organization development is the process of increasing organizational effectiveness, and facilitating personal and organizational change through the use of interventions driven by social and behavioral science knowledge."
How does this volume try to outline the study of organization development? First, it covers basic elements of the field. Second, it provides a variety of case studies.
The volume begins by discussing the nature and history and values of OD. Later subjects include the consultation process of OD practitioners, the nature of organizational change, diagnosis of organizations, intervention tactics, sustaining organizational change, and so on.
A useful introduction to the subject. . . .