What is Organization Development?
"Organization development is a system-wide application of behavioral science to the planned development and reinforcement of organizational strategies, structures, and processes for improving an organization's effectiveness." *
Organization Development (OD) focuses on the human side of an organization by collaborating with key leaders, groups, and individuals to create systemic change that improves productivity and increases employee engagement.
Similar to how an individual will consult a doctor for check-ups and ailments, ideally leaders contact an OD consultant when they want to focus on their organizational health.
Comparable to your body being a system where there are methods to diagnose its well-being; Organization Development uses models, theories, and checklists to diagnose organizational vitality. Diagnosis can be qualitative and quantitative.
Leaders and managers contact the Organization Development office when encountering:
- New challenges, responsibilities, and possibilities
- The need for customer or stakeholder feedback
- An opportunity for planning and teambuilding
- Ongoing issues among group members
- Lack of clarity in goals or roles
- The transition of managers or employees
- Communication challenges
The Organization Development Professional works with leaders and managers by:
- Gathering data
- Defining issues
- Determining suitable course of action
- Assessing outcomes of activities or interventions
- Evaluating the impact on the organization/team
What to expect:
An Organization Development Professional can work with you to evaluate and develop a customized plan of action for your organization in a timely, cost-effective and ethical manner.
Contact us today
Peggy Gardiner
Organizational Development Consultant and Program Manager for Organizational Development
(703) 648-6824 pgardiner@usgs.gov
Aimee Cooper
Organizational Development Specialist
(703) 648-7496 abcooper@usgs.gov
Ashley Cannady
Program Analyst, FEVS
(703) 648-7495 acannady@usgs.gov
Jennifer Jones
Senior Program Analyst, Leadership and Supervisory Development
(808) 348-5408 jenniferjones@usgs.gov
We help you have the conversations that really matter!
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*Cummings and Worley, "Organization Development and Change,” Sixth Edition, South-Western Publishing, 1997, p.2.
