The Multiple Realities and Experiences of Internal Organisation Development Consultation in Health Care

Abstract

This article describes experiences during, and outcomes of, an OD intervention conducted by an internal consultant in an outpatient health centre. It focuses on how the “multiple realities” associated with the medical and administrative hierarchies of the health centre affected the course of the intervention, both for the participants and for the consultant. The article describes the setting and context for the intervention, the intervention itself, and various events that occurred in conjunction with the intervention and were integral to its experience. On the basis of this material, the article suggests likely outcomes of OD interventions for both participants and consultants in settings containing multiple realities. It also suggests implications for evaluation and practice in such settings.