Organizational Development Essentials You Always Wanted to Know (2nd Edition)

1 Introduction to an Organization and Organizational Development
1.1 An Organization
1.2 The World Today
1.3 What Is Organizational Development?
1.4 Characteristics of Organizational Development
1.5 Assumptions Made in Organizational Development
1.6 Core Values of OD
1.7 What OD Is Not
Chapter Summary
Quiz

2 The Relevance of Organizational Development
2.1 Goals of Organizational Development
2.2 From Reacting to Change to Planned Change
Chapter Summary
Quiz


3 Evolution and Growth of Organizational Development
3.1 Pioneers of OD
3.2 Streams of Evolution
3.3 Models of Planned Organizational Change
Chapter Summary
Quiz

4 Entry
4.1 Initiating the Process of Planned Change
4.2 OD Practitioners
4.3 Developing the OD Proposal
4.4 The Core Elements of an OD Proposal
Chapter Summary
Quiz

5 Diagnosis
5.1 The Process of Diagnosis
5.2 Diagnosis of Organizational Systems
5.3 Identifying Relevant Variables
5.4 Data Collection
5.5 Data Analysis – Quantitative Techniques
5.6 Data Analysis – Qualitative Techniques
5.7 Analyzing Data with AI
5.8 Communicating Findings
Chapter Summary
Quiz

6 Implementation (Action Plan)
6.1 Overview of Interventions
6.2 Types of Interventions
6.3 Leading the Change
Chapter Summary
Quiz

7 Evaluation
7.1 What is Evaluation?
7.2 Types of Evaluation of OD Interventions
7.3 Measurement
7.4 Characteristics of Good Measures
7.5 Timing and Frequency of Evaluation
7.6 Analysis, Summary, and Communication
Chapter Summary
Quiz

8 Institutionalization
8.1 Institutionalization and the Need for It
8.2 Challenges with Institutionalization
8.3 Institutionalization-Friendly Characteristics
8.4 Institutionalization Processes
8.5 Measuring the Level of Institutionalization
Chapter Summary
Quiz

9 The Making of an OD Practitioner
9.1 The OD Practitioner
9.2 Competencies
9.3 Core Skills and Knowledge
9.4 Expectations of an OD Practitioner
9.5 Ethical Issues That Confront Practitioners
Chapter Summary
Quiz
References
Further Reading
Glossary

Ankur Mithal is a business professional with 15+ years of experience across OD, operations, and consulting, with leadership roles at Standard Chartered, IBM Daksh, and HCL BPO.

Michael Kientz is an organizational development expert with 30+ years of experience, having led global learning and OD initiatives at Citigroup and Compassion International.

Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.

Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

The Self-Learning Management Series is designed to help students, new managers, career switchers, and entrepreneurs learn essential management lessons and covers every aspect of business, from HR to Finance to Marketing to Operations across any and every industry. Each book includes basic fundamentals, important concepts, and standard and well-known principles as well as practical ways of application of the subject matter.

This book does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive overview of what organizational development is and how it can be used to facilitate a large number of changes. This book will be helpful for anyone looking to educate themselves on the basics and how to get started.
-- Tania Baetjer, Senior Program Solutions Specialist

This book is an accessible and practical introduction to organizational development. It offers clear guidance that students and professionals can apply in real workplace settings. The authors break down complex concepts with relatable, real-life examples that reflect the uncertainty and change organizations face today. It’s a valuable, capability-building resource for anyone looking to understand how organizations work and how to help them adapt and thrive.
-- Susan Granger, Learning & Human Resources Professional

A masterfully streamlined roadmap that strips away academic “fluff.” In my 20 years of experience, this book’s focus on the institutionalization of change is exactly what today’s results-oriented HR leaders need.
-- Priscilla Anderson, Senior HR Professional, DEI Advocate

Organizational Development Essentials is a solid foundational resource. It does a good job of establishing a clear understanding of OD concepts, linking OD to business performance, introducing key models and frameworks, and highlighting the importance of adapting to modern organizational challenges.
-- Jhon Paul Bahian, CSSBB, L&D and OD Consultant

Online Resources

Instructor Resources