CHAPTER 3

Organization Development PRACTITIONER

There are Three Sets of People:

• People who specialize OD as a Profession.

• People specializing in fields related to OD.

• Applies to the increasing number of Managers and Administrators who have gained competence in OD and who apply it to their own work areas.

Competencies of an Effective

OD Practitioner

The following list of Attributes and Abilities:

• Diagnostic Ability• Basic Knowledge of Behavioral

Science Techniques• Empathy• Knowledge of Theories and

Methods within the Consultant’s own discipline

• Goal Setting Ability

• Problem Solving Ability• Ability to perform Self- Assessment• Ability to see things objectively• Imagination• Flexibility• Honesty• Consistency• Trust

Skills and Knowledge to be Effective:

• Intrapersonal Skills• Interpersonal Skills • General Consultation Skills• Organizational Development Theory

The Professional

Organization Development Practitioner

Role of OD Professionals

• Internal Consultant

- Members of the organization usually located at the Human Resource Department

• External Consultant

- They usually work for consulting Firm, a University, For themselves.

1. Position

EXTERNAL• Build Relationship• Learn Company Jargon• “Presenting Problem”

Challenge• Time Consuming• Select project/client

according to own criteria• Guard against out-of-

pocket• Can terminate projects at

will• Meet organization

members for the first time

INTERNAL• Ready Relationship• Knows Company Jargon• Understand Root Causes

• Time Efficient• Obligated to work with

everyone• No out-of-pocket expenses• Must complete project

assigned• Has relationships with

many organization members

2. MarginalityMarginal Person is one who successfully straddles the boundary between two or more groups with differing goals, value systems and behavior patterns.

Professional Values

Professional Ethics