Answer for LDR 615 Describe the role of organizational development in contemporary organizations Re: Topic 1 DQ 1

Organization development (OD) is a process of planned change that involves an entire organization with a particular focus on the organization’s culture and leadership (Burke, 2022). Organizational development can often make employees feel a part of the culture change that leadership has established through the preparation of the change. This active involvement of employees in organizational change not only fosters a sense of belonging but also empowers them, making them feel valued and integral to the process. With empowered people working on the vision, in cases of great success, those people are helped to produce short-term wins (Kotter et. al., 2002).

In the federal government’s military branch, a base realignment and closure (BRAC) process takes place every five to ten years. While it is an essential organizational change, it is not without its challenges. Authorized by Congress, its aim is to restructure military needs effectively and ensure operational readiness. One of the key benefits is the alignment of military occupations under one command, rather than having dispersed military occupations throughout the United States under various commands that are not in line with their specialty. This leads to better command and control. For example, all military police units now fall under one command that is based out of Maryland. However, base realignment can result in facility closures. It is important to note that not everyone welcomes this change. The older generation of employees, who did not grow up in an era of transformation (Kotter, J., 1996), may resist it. During the 2008 realignment of reserve installations, senior government employees protested and remained in their positions at their old locations for over two years before deciding to relocate or resign. This example highlights the complexity and significance of organizational change and makes it clear that while change is not always easy, it is necessary for growth and adaptation.

Reference:

Burke, W. W. (2022). Organization development. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. Retrieved 7 May 2024.

Kotter, P., & Cohen, D. S. (2002). The heart of change: Real-life stories of how people change their organizations. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press. ISBN-13: 978-1422187333

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Published by Henry