Applying Organizational Development Theories to Real-World Challenges

Purpose
This midterm assignment will give you the opportunity to evaluate theories and models and identify barriers to change. This assignment will cover OD concepts and theories we have discussed so far. These concepts and theories include the following subjects:
Planned change theories
OD diagnostic processes
OD interventions
Change management
Internal and external consultants
Task
Choose an organizational development concept or theory from the readings and discussions. In a 5- to 7-page paper, discuss and build out the theory by applying it to an organization you are working for, have worked for, or are familiar with.
To complete the assignment, keep the following criteria in mind:
Be thorough as you apply the concept or theory to your organization.
Clearly identify the organization problem or issue and work through the chosen theory as you apply it to the organization.
You are expected to incorporate at least one of the following course objectives in your short paper:
Evaluate definitions, theories, and models of corporate culture
Identify the roles and relationships corporate culture has in organizational performance
Use a systems perspective in analyzing organizational conditions
Evaluate theories and models for managing change in organizations
Identify common barriers to effective change management
Prescribe appropriate OD strategies and techniques in applied settings

Your paper should be 5 to 7 pages long, excluding the cover and reference pages. Please follow guidelines for citations, quotations, and references. Use at least five scholarly resources that are dated within the last five years. You are strongly encouraged to use the required and reserved readings in this course, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles found through the UMUC library. Research methodology and problem analysis will be emphasized in the grading of this assignment.
This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade and addresses Course Objectives 4 and 5. You must complete this assignment individually, without contacting other students, and you may not use a paper or any part of a paper from a previous class or from another person. If you have questions about this assignment, please post them in the Ask the Professor discussion forum so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Embarking on your midterm assignment can be streamlined by following a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Understand the Assignment Requirements

• Objective: Select an organizational development (OD) concept or theory and apply it to a familiar organization.
• Length: 5 to 7 pages, excluding cover and reference pages.
• Sources: Incorporate at least five scholarly resources from the past five years.
• Course Objectives: Ensure your paper addresses at least one of the following:
  • Evaluate definitions, theories, and models of corporate culture.
  • Identify the roles and relationships corporate culture has in organizational performance.
  • Use a systems perspective in analyzing organizational conditions.
  • Evaluate theories and models for managing change in organizations.
  • Identify common barriers to effective change management.
  • Prescribe appropriate OD strategies and techniques in applied settings.

2. Choose an OD Concept or Theory

• Review your course materials and select a theory that resonates with you. Examples include:
  • Planned Change Theories
  • OD Diagnostic Processes
  • OD Interventions
  • Change Management
  • Internal and External Consultants

3. Select an Organization

• Choose an organization you are working for, have worked for, or are familiar with. Ensure you have enough information to analyze its structure, culture, and challenges.

4. Conduct Preliminary Research

• Gather scholarly articles, books, and reputable sources related to your chosen OD concept and the organization.
• Focus on sources published within the last five years to ensure relevance.

5. Outline Your Paper

• Introduction
  • Introduce the OD concept or theory.
  • Present the organization you will analyze.
  • State the purpose of your paper.
• Literature Review
  • Discuss the selected OD theory in detail.
  • Summarize key findings from your research.
• Organizational Analysis
  • Describe the organization’s background, structure, and culture.
  • Identify a specific problem or issue within the organization.
• Application of OD Theory
  • Apply the chosen theory to the identified problem.
  • Analyze how the theory addresses the issue.
• Discussion
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the theory in this context.
  • Discuss potential barriers to change.
  • Propose OD strategies and techniques to overcome these barriers.
• Conclusion
  • Summarize key insights.
  • Reflect on the implications for the organization.

6. Write the Paper

• Follow your outline, ensuring each section is well-developed.
• Maintain a formal and academic tone throughout.
• Support your analysis with evidence from your research.

7. Cite Sources Properly

• Use the appropriate citation style as per your course guidelines.
• Ensure all sources are cited both in-text and in the reference list.

8. Review and Revise

• Proofread your paper for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Ensure you have met all assignment criteria.
• Consider seeking feedback from peers or utilizing writing centers.

9. Final Submission

• Prepare your cover and reference pages.
• Submit your paper by the deadline, ensuring all formatting requirements are met.

By following this structured approach, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a comprehensive and insightful paper that effectively applies organizational development theories to real-world scenarios.

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