1 Questions
Please describe the three main historical sources of Organizational Development (OD): What is the contribution of Action Research, Group Dynamics and Sociotechnical Systems to modern OD?
What are the four change motors according to Austin & Bartunek?
Sources: Presentations Basics&sources_OD, Teams-Org-GroupDynamics; Austin & Bartunek (2002, p. 309-311); Eden & Ackermann (2018); Trist & Bamforth (1951); Toseland et al. (2004); Videos level 1
2 Questions
What is Action Research und what is the specific contribution of Action Research to modern OD?
Please explain the Research Cycle according to Eden & Ackerman and how this connects to OD.
What does Survey Feedback mean in the context of OD?
Sources: Eden & Ackerman (2018); Video on Action Research
3 Questions
What are the main topics of group dynamics?
Which of the cornerstones of group dynamics that are still relevant for OD?
Please describe the psychological process in small groups according to Tuckmann (1965).
Please explain the concept of teamroles according to Belbin.
Source; Toseland et al. (2004); Tuckman (1965); Lewin (1947); presentation_team_organization; videos Level 1 (Tuckman, Lewin, Belbin)
4 Analysis
Regarding the concept of change motors:
In how far do these four motors apply when a company has to undergo a restructuring or an M&A process?
What do you think: In how far is the conceptual separation between these four change motors artifical?
Or in others words: Isn’t it always a mixture of all motors when change is happening?
5 Analysis
What do you think:
Is the approach of Sociotechnical Systems still relevant in today’s business life?
In which areas or functions may this approach be beneficial?
Where do you see conceptual or practical limitations of implementing joint optimization?
Sources; Trist & Bamforth (1951), Senge (1990); video with Eric Trist
6 Analysis
Why are formats of Group Dynamics (e.g. T-groups, Lab) today rather a theoretical background than directly applied in modern organizations e.g. in leadership trainings?
Where do you see main differences between therapy groups and working teams in business in terms of Tuckman’s model?
Sources: Toseland et al. (2004); Tuckmann (1965); video on Kurt Lewin
7 Net-Works
Image a new team has been formed, after merging two existing teams in the course of a broader restructuring programme. Some people have left the company including one of the team heads, most employee accepted the offer to stay with the company.
Please discuss in the group how a team development process could be designed applying elements and main topics of group dynamics.
What conditions should be agreed on upfront to have a successful start for the new team?
Source: Presentation Teams_Organization; Toseland et al. (2004); Tuckman (1965), video on Tuckman
