Organization Development in Transition

Abstract

Changes that have occurred within organization development over the past 12 years are described. These changes represent value shifts, expanded technology and theory, modifications in OD strategy, and a growing legitimization of OD as a field. It is argued that the development of OD has been adaptive rather than deliberate and planned. Three recommendations are made for the future survival of OD: 1) OD must become more theory and research-based; 2) OD must develop a new model that will incorporate with its methodology, directions for organization change based on research knowledge; and 3) OD practitioners are needed who (a) know who they are as persons and (b) will practice more OD on the field itself