Chapter Review Questions

Chapter 15 – Review Questions

Compare and contrast organization development and organization transformation. How are they similar or dissimilar?

“Organizational development compromises the long-range efforts and programs aimed at improving an organization’s ability to survive by changing its problem solving and renewal processes” (Brown, 2010).

“Organizational transformation is defined as drastic, abrupt change to total structures, managerial processes, and corporate culture” (Brown, 2010). Organizational transformation requires a redesign of everything in the organization, nothing is sacred. There are very few or no guidelines and includes changing norms and culture and essentially the soul of an organization.

Organizational development and organizational transformation are both strategic change approaches. They are both supportive of changes to organizations to increase their effectiveness. However, the change methods are different. Organization development involves gradual approaches focused on development with a more participative approach. Organizational transformation is much more directive than participative. Although both OD and OT are top down and management driven processes, in OT managers initiate transformational changes. OT changes are often immediate and drastic and can include changes such plant closures, downsizing, and mergers etc., while OD changes happen over a period of time. Organizational development focuses on aspects such as quality or customer service and is more supportive of an organization’s mission, values and goals. OT efforts are often for organizational survival so it may involve changes that do not support these elements.

How does culture affect an organization’s ability to change?

An organization can implement changes more effectively by taking culture into consideration. Risks can be reduced if consideration is given to the extent of the need for change and how compatible the change is to the culture. Figure 15.5 – The...