What is Organization Development ? – Six Step Model to Understand Organization

A set up which brings together individuals from different backgrounds, varied interests and specializations on a common platform for them to work as a single unit and achieve certain predefined goals is called an organization.

An organization must make money for its survival. It is essential for the employees to deliver their level best and eventually increase the productivity of the organization.

What is Organization Development ?

Organization Development refers to the various ways and procedures to increase the productivity and effectiveness of an organization.

Organization Development includes the various techniques which help the employees as well as the organization adjust to changing circumstances in a better way.

Why Organization Development ?

• The concept of Organization development enables the organization to achieve the targets and meet the objectives at a much faster rate.
• The employees as a result of organization development respond better to changes in the work culture.
• Organization development helps the employees to focus on their jobs and contribute in their best possible way.
• Management can handle the employees in a better way as a result of organization development.

Kurt Lewin is ideally believed to be the father of Organization development.

When is the Organization Ready for Development ?

1. First Step - Dissatisfied with the current scenario: The employees are not happy with the current scenario and feel the need for a change in the processes of the organization.

2. Second Step - Suggesting Changes: In the second step, employees discuss amongst themselves the various options which would help the organization do better in the near future.

3. Third Step - Applying the processes: Various policies and procedures are applied to help the organization respond to external as well as internal changes more effectively.

Understanding Organization

A six step model for understanding organization was proposed by Weisbord

The goals and objectives of the organization must be clearly defined. The employees must be aware of their duties and functions in the organization. The individuals must know what is expected out of them at the workplace.

It is essential to divide the work amongst the individuals as per their interests, specialization, experience and educational qualification. Job mismatch should be avoided as it leads to demotivated employees. Let the individuals decide what best they can do.

The employees must share a cordial relationship with each other. Conflicts and unnecessary misunderstandings lead to a negative ambience at the workplace. There should be coordination between various departments for better results. Transparency is a must at all levels. Individuals must discuss matters among themselves before reaching to final conclusions. The departments must support each other in their work.

It is important to appreciate the ones who perform well. Those who do well must be admired in front of all to motivate them and expect the same from them every time. The management must make the non performers realize their mistakes and ask them to pull up their socks. They should not be criticized, instead dealt with patience and care. Give them opportunities but still if they don’t perform up to the mark, punish them.

Leaders should be more like mentors and must provide a sense of direction to the employees. They should bind the employees together and extract the best out of them. The superiors must be a source of inspiration for the subordinates.

Promote training programs to upgrade the skills of employees and help them face the challenges and changes in the organization with utmost determination. Plan your resources well.