8.1 Introduction to Organizational Development and Change

Question 1

What does OD stand for?

Organizational demand
Organizational development
Outside demand
Operational development

Answer 1

Organizational development

Question 2

What is the purpose of organizational development?

To help organizations stay the same in the midst of global change
To help organizations operate on smaller budgets
To help organizations adapt to change
To help organizations deal with external forces

Answer 2

To help organizations adapt to change

Question 3

True or False: Most organizations do not experience significant change.

Answer 3

False

Nearly every organization, at some point, goes through significant change. Some of these changes are big (such as a merger, acquisition, or downsizing effort), while some changes are much smaller and less stressful (such as introducing new policies or products, systems, or processes).

Question 4

How should an organization go about dealing with changes to best cope with uncertainty when the changes occur?

Just be aware that uncertainty and lots of problems are inevitable
Assume the process of change
Ignore the change and know that it will work itself out if it is the right direction for the organization
Fight against the change because it will result uncertainty in the company

Answer 4

Assume the process of change

Question 5

True or False: Organizational development is a great HR function because it is a quick approach to change and easy to implement.

Answer 5

False

Organizational development typically takes a long-term approach to change. OD uses change to overcome problems and challenges within the firm, as well as to capitalize on strategic opportunities.

Question 6

What is the HR function of OD?

Answer 6

To assesses the need for change, designs an intervention or process, helps management introduce the change, and then evaluates the effectiveness of the change.