OPERATIONAL COMPONENT OF

ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT

By:
Ekta soni Sonal kakani

MODEL OF OD-ACTION RESEARCH

A basic model underlying most OD activities is the action research model- a data based, problem solving model that replicates the steps involved in the scientific method of inquiry.

The action research model focuses on planned changes as a cyclical process involving collaboration between organizational members and OD practitioners.

Emphasis on data gathering and diagnosis prior to action planning and implementation. Careful evaluation of research after the action is taken.

FEATURES OF ACTION RESEARCH

Problem focused: Begins with a problem drawn from the field. The response to the inadequacy of scientific research was action research, always begin with a problem. Action oriented: focuses not only on maximizing the knowledge of a phenomenon, but also attempt to take concrete actions to change the situation. Cyclical process: the iterative process starts with problem identifications and ends with action taking. The second cycle begins with the evaluation of the result and a reassessment of the problem. Collaborative: it is the process in which both the researchers and employees contribute their joint expertise.

Experimental: being an organic or cyclical process involves the introduction of a change, examination of its effects and modification of a change. Action research emphasis the power of learning by doing, experimentation being a primary route towards its attainment.

Tackle future problems: it is a self critical approach that calls on both client and consultant to examine their actions and assumption.

PROCESS OF ACTION
RESEARCH

Data Gathering
Identifying or defining a problem

Evaluating
Studying the consequences of the action

Purpose
Indl & orgnl learning Solving problems Bringing about change

Analysis and Interpretation

Ascription of meaning to the data

Action Taking
Selecting a course of action

Action Planning
Considering alternative course of action

Data gathering: from a preliminary understanding of the problem, one has to move towards an understanding of the causes, symptoms and outcomes of the problem.

Analysis: the analysis phase involves making sense of the data gathered and interpreting the meaning.

Action taking: this stage is the actual response to the problem. In this, the critical role of the action researcher is anticipating unforeseen consequences of the action taken and planning for them.

Action planning: this is the critical phase of this research. Alternative plans of action need to be generated and their potential impact assessed.

Evaluation: this phase consists of reassessment of the problem. The current state of the problem is examined and the impact of the action is evaluated. Mid-course corrections, if necessary, are initiated.

ROLE OF THE ACTION RESEARCHER

Critical functions that need to be performed by the action researcher are explained below:

Problem definition: as action research starts with a problem, the problem needs to be accurately diagnosed. In most cases the action researcher has a preliminary diagnosis of the problem by the client to start with. Study design: the action researcher has specialized knowledge with regards to the understanding of organizational systems, structures, and processes as well as the research process.

Data collection and analysis: as mentioned earlier , it is a cyclical process moving through various stages from problem diagnosis, information gathering, analysis and interpretation to action taking. Data needs to be collected and analyzed in order to decide on the appropriate interventions to be effected.

Interpretation: interpretation of the data collected and analyzed involves the ascription of meaning to it. The nature of the meaning can come both from the action researcher, an expert in applied behavioural science, and the concerned organizational member who have an in-depth understanding of the system and how individuals perceive phenomena.

Action taking: based on action taken, intervention in the client system needs to be planned and executed. This may vary from extremes to complete client domination to full collaboration. However, it may be fruitful to take a middle path so that the clients understanding of the system is clubbed with the external expertise of the consultant in planning and designing interventions.

THANK YOU