This course is designed to provide students exposure to organizational development (OD) theories and practice. This includes the utilization and application of behavioral science to adapt to change and improve individual performance and systems within an organization. The goal of OD is to help individuals function better within an organizational system. Organizational Development has the power to dramatically improve companies and the well-being of employees. Going forward, successful organizations will be those that build an effective employee experience that attracts, retains, and engages the right talent. The right staffing ensures continuous organizational improvement through strategic alignment of structure, staff, skills, and culture. OD attempts to bring about positive change throughout the system (individual, group, and organization) using a wide variety of interventions that will ultimately benefit all stakeholders – internally and externally.
In this course, theoretical models and the process of OD will be discussed. Students will also learn how to improve individual, group/team, and organizational performance through the use of OD techniques or interventions, including: group dynamics, training, culture change, and work-life balance, among others.
Generally taken in the senior baccalaureate year.
BUS 204 or Professional Management Experience