Organizational development is needed now more than ever.

The course on Organizational Development and Change aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and lead change in an ever-evolving work environment. Students will gain insights into managing successful change initiatives by exploring the historical development of organizational development theories, evaluating different frameworks, and analyzing the impact of organizational culture and employee engagement. The course emphasizes the role of leaders and change agents, the challenges and opportunities associated with change, and the importance of effective communication and feedback.

Through practical application and reflection, students will develop the ability to develop and design change management processes that foster organizational effectiveness and adaptability while addressing cultural and diversity considerations. In this experiential, interactive course, participants engage in group activities and collaborate on a team project, both in and out of class.

Designed for leaders charged with bringing about change, this course builds a valuable foundation for managers, human resource professionals, internal and external consultants, and those interested in pursuing a career in this field. It provides an overview of the field of OD, the nature of change, and the role of the OD and HR practitioner.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Explain the significance of Organizational Development (OD) in today’s business environment
• Evaluate different organizational development frameworks and interventions to effectively manage change
• Analyze strategic OD partnerships: HR, middle management, executive team, and/or consultants
• Develop strategies and interventions to align business goals and organizational culture with desired change
• Design and develop change interventions prioritizing organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and adaptability while addressing diversity, culture, neuroscience, and psychology safety

Topics Include

• Organization Development (OD) history and overview
• Theories and practices of OD, the OD process, and OD models
• Strategic partnerships: HR, Middle Management, Executive Team and/or Consultants
• Intervention designs that incorporate culture, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), neuroscience, and psychological safety
• Aligning OD efforts with HR, management and leadership, and systems of change

Professional Credit

SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® 19.25 PDCs.