What is Organizational Development?
Organization Development (OD) is a field of practice and scholarship that supports the effectiveness, adaptability, and vitality of organizations and communities. Rooted in behavioral and social sciences, OD brings a humanistic and systems-oriented approach to intentional change.
At its core, OD is about helping organizations thrive—by aligning strategy, structure, culture, and people to meet their goals in an ever-evolving environment.
Foundational Definition
One of the most widely cited definitions of OD comes from Richard Beckhard (1969), who described it as:
“An effort that is: Planned, Organization-wide, Managed from the top, Increases an organization’s effectiveness and health, Executed through planned interventions in the organization’s ‘processes’ using behavioral-science knowledge.”
While foundational, this diagnostic model of OD has evolved. Many contemporary practitioners are moving beyond top-down change approaches to embrace more emergent, collaborative methods.
OD Today: Diagnostic and Dialogic ApproachesOD practice today often blends two complementary traditions:
Both approaches:
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A Systems Lens
OD is fundamentally systems-oriented. Practitioners recognize that organizational change is never isolated—it ripples through interconnected parts of the whole. Effective OD considers strategy, culture, leadership, structure, and processes as an integrated ecosystem.
OD also emphasizes inquiry, reflection, and evidence-informed action. As Kurt Lewin famously stated:
“No research without action, no action without research.”
BCODN’s CommitmentAt BCODN, we support the ongoing development of OD in British Columbia by fostering community, learning, and professional growth. We align with the Global OD Practice Framework, which outlines key competencies for impactful and ethical OD practice. Whether you are an experienced consultant, internal practitioner, or simply OD-curious, BCODN offers opportunities to explore, contribute, and connect. |
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