Free Essay

Change Article Memo

In: Business and Management

Submitted By eaflores3
Words 829
Pages 4
August 26, 2013
Ernesto Flores
Organizational Development 661
Richard Stackman
The Past, present and future of organization development: Taking the long view

‘Find your voice in OD’ was the one quote I took away from my first graduate course in my program. I had never considered having a voice in OD before until then. Prior to reading this course my understanding of organization development (OD) derived from a few quick Google, Wikipedia searches to water cooler conversations with a current colleague/MSOD student. As I delved into the different readings I noted one specific passage that resonated with me due to the nature of my profession. ‘Changing Higher Education Institutions and Nonprofit Organizations’ spoke constant change in both the nonprofit and higher education sectors (Burke P. 18). As I highlighted and starred this section I knew that’s where I wanted begin the search for my voice in OD.

Throughout this reading time relevance was a constant bookmark for me in understanding the thought process of the current state of OD in which ideas were being presented. I found myself jotting down the years where change occurred and what insight it brought to OD. After I noted the year I made a reference to historical events happening during that era to really get a sense of the national or even global perspective of where OD evolved.

* 1939 the emergence of OD practices lay its foundation * 1940’s the birth of T-Groups to learn about human behavior * 1950’s, OD was an “intellectual crusade” and reached its peak * 1980’s OD focused on profitability and not people, saw its decline * Today is more academia focused and endless possibilities (Burnes & Cooke )

The actualization of OD for me was the emergence of T-groups. The concept of individual development and growth to bring about true change speaks to the social understanding of an individual’s purpose and belonging. Working in higher education speaks directly to my personal ‘why.’ My personal truth is tightly associated with that of service. The belief that the service I provide in both my personal and professional life tries to be of noble nature. The reason I believe in higher education is because I’m a product of education and has empowered me with the confidence to be, having been raised under very different circumstances. Education helps foster the perfect environment for change to translate into action.

The constant ever changing climate in higher education brings many issues to the forefront that question the traditional institutional structure like that of distance learning (Burke P. 18). After attending a professional development training this summer in Chicago, regarding enrollment management, we discussed the common ground of hybrid online with traditional courses that many universities have adapted due to the constant technological advances our students integrate into their lives. The T-groups fundamentals speak to the social human behavior that allows us to understand and reflect on the ‘here and now’ and improve interpersonal skills to bring about change (Burnes & Cooke P.4). Our environments are in constant transformation and so we can’t remain stagnant as individuals, just as OD did not stand still from its emergence (Burnes & Cooke P. 6).

I found myself questioning the rational of where OD was headed during the 1980’s. The consensus of the industry was that OD was losing sight of its humanistic foundation in order to capitalize on results focused in value for money products (Burnes & Cooke). The academic reigns of OD were now being driven by larger systematic approaches that didn’t address the humanistic fundamental of OD, which services the individual to bring about change. When the fundamentals are compromised so are the fruits of its labor. The end result will change as the variables in the equation change.

Being the optimist that I am, I find that the future of OD is open to the complexity amongst academic and practioners (Burnes and Cooke). I believe that Lewin’s core fundamentals, for what is now OD, are deeply rooted in the social justice by trying to create a more humane and sustainable world. The fact that he lost many of his family members in the Holocaust conveys his personal truth in why he pursued to resolve social conflict and study human behavior (Brunes and Cooke P. 23). He did so by promoting democracy amongst organizational leaders to maximize their resources to their greatest ability, thus bringing about change.

Upon reading this article my understanding was that there was a fundamental shift in the way we bring about change and development in an organization. That shift began with the contributions to OD founder Kurt Lewin in the 1930’s and the growth of T-groups (training groups) which carried out the tools and approaches to what later would become OD (Burnes & Cooke). The reflection that Lewin had to resolve social conflict resonates with me because of my core value to serve others. It’s the faint voice I search to realize as an individual within OD.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Hcs-514

...organizational theory, organizational performance, structure, change management and human resource management. Students apply various organizational theories to contemporary issues. Week 1 - Topic 1: Organizational/Management Theory Objectives Describe organizational design, function, and processes. Explain how accountability affects the behavior of an organization. Illustrate factors that define and shape an organization. Materials READ ME FIRST Week One Textbook used in this course: EBOOK COLLECTION: Liebler, J.G. & McConnell C.R (2008). Management Principles for Health Professionals. (5th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Reading Assignments for Week One: EBOOK COLLECTION: Management Principles for Health Professionals, Chapter 1 EBOOK COLLECTION: Management Principles for Health Professionals, Chapter 3 EBOOK COLLECTION: Management Principles for Health Professionals, Chapter 4 READING: Required Electronic Reserve Readings:"Ethical implications of transparency." by Nelson and Campbell ARTICLE: Week One Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Memo Assignment: A new CEO has just taken over your organization and would like a brief report on the current state of your organization in order to formulate a strategy for improving its performance. Describe your organization in terms of its design (centralized, decentralized, location, and so on) and functionality in a brief memo of 350 to 500 words. Memo Assignment Week 2 - Topic 1: Decision Making and Organizational...

Words: 684 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Communication Methods

...Communication Methods MGT 505 Staci Jones August, 24, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Lyncheski Strayer University 1. First choose five different communication methods listed in chapter eight, and identify an advantage for each of them. In the business world memos serves multiple purposes, but regardless of their intended purpose it should reflect standard formatting elements. Because most organizations are quite large and diversified, memos provide an effective means of internal communication. According to (Rzadkiewicz, 2013) some advantages to communication, memos are convenient because not only is it easy to prepare and fast to transmit but also requires little time to read. It also provides a written record both for the recipient and the sender, which helps clarify information and prevents misunderstandings. The disadvantage of using electronic memos is that they do not provide the ability to read body language. The sender has to take additional time to write a draft form, proof read, grammar check, before the memo is sent. Also, email communication lacks important nonverbal communication, such as tone of the voice, which helps one to understand the message. Face to face communication is the foundation of communications. Once the foundation is established, it enables all forms of communication. It forms a personal connection that builds trust and minimizes misinterpretation and misunderstanding (Martin, 2007). The advantages of face to face communication is being able to...

Words: 988 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Business and Labor Law

...Origin of contract Contract act 1872 Extends to all Pakistan DEFINITION (1)Between two or more than two parties\persons (2)To do or not to do any particular thing (3)Enforceable by law (4)Creates obligation between the parties \persons COMMUNICATION\REVOCATION\ACCEPTANCE COMMUNICATION (1)Offer or proposal (notice to other party) (2)Acceptance REVOCATION (1)Cancellation (2)Mode of Revocation of proposal (a)By written notice or by conduct (b)By failure to fulfill any condition relating to contract (c)Death of either party (d)Lapse of time (e)Operation of law (f)Refusal by offeree ESSENTIALS OF A VALID CONTRACT (1)Agreement (2)Legal Relationship (3)Competent to contract (4)Free consent (5)Consideration (6)Not expressly declared void (7)Legal objects PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT (1)Contracts which must be performed (2)By whom contracts must be performed (3)Time and place for performance (4)Performance for Reciprocal promises (5)Contracts which need not to be performed DISCHARGE\BREACH OF CONTRACT (1)Whoever...

Words: 7925 - Pages: 32

Free Essay

Commercial Law

...ASSIGNMENT ON COMMERCIAL LAW ASSIGNMENT ON COMMERCIAL LAW CHAPTER-1&2 CHAPTER-1&2 12.What are the effects of the memorandum and the article after they are registered THE LEGAL EFFECTS OF THE MEMORANDUM The Contractual Powers of a Company A Company or a Corporation is an artificial person created by law. It is a legal person capable of suing and of being sued. But the contractual powers of a company are limited in two ways : (i) natural possibility and (ii) legal possibility. (i) Natural Possibility The fact that a company is an artificial person leads to the result that a company must always enter into contract through agents, (ii) Legal Possibility A joint stock company cannot enter into any contract the object of which goes beyond the memorandum of association of the company. A statutory corporation cannot enter into any contract which is beyond the scope of its powers as laid down in the statute by which it was created Forms of Contracts and Deeds of a Company The Doctrine of Ultra Vires The Memorandum of Association determines the constitution and the powers of ‘the Company. It was observed by Lord Selbourne that the memorandum is the Company’s “fundamental and unalterable law”. ‘A Company is incorporated only for the objects and purposes expressed in the memorandum. Any act purported to be done by the Company which is beyond the scope of the functions of the Company...

Words: 2685 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Technical Writing

...A printed action memo is a form that only requires a check mark filled in the correct square to relay the message. A technical report (also: scientific report) is a document that describes the process, progress, or results of technical or scientific research or the state of a technical or scientific research problem. It might also include recommendations and conclusions of the research. Unlike other scientific literature, such as scientific journals and the proceedings of some academic conferences, technical reports rarely undergo comprehensive independent peer review before publication. They may be considered as grey literature. Where there is a review process, it is often limited to within the originating organization. Similarly, there are no formal publishing procedures for such reports, except where established locally. Description Technical reports are today a major source of scientific and technical information. They are prepared for internal or wider distribution by many organizations, most of which lack the extensive editing and printing facilities of commercial publishers. Technical reports are often prepared for sponsors of research projects. Another case where a technical report may be produced is when more information is produced for an academic paper than is acceptable or feasible to publish in a peer-reviewed publication; examples of this include in-depth experimental details, additional results, or the architecture of a computer model. Researchers may also...

Words: 1284 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Company Reference

...is “Save money. Live better.” It always low prices, and using this strength to attract customers. Moreover, for the Miles and Snow’s strategy, Wal-Mart is the type of analyzer which incorporates elements of both the prospector and the defender, because Wal-Mart is not only defending its current market by lowering its cost, but it also seeks out the market opportunities that expand its scope of globalization. Wal-Mart has over 7100 stores worldwide and more than 4000 in America, so Wal-Mart is also a global strategy company. It views the world as a single marketplace and addresses the needs of the customers worldwide.  Wal-Mart has proactive stance for the social responsibility. This company always does feedbacks to the society.  In this article, Wal-Mart donates 4 million dollars to a city program that offers summer jobs to young people. This behavior helps finance 3400 jobs.  CSR can also motivate employees and strengthen brands, while also providing benefits to society. References: “Always low prices”. The Economist, 29 Feb. 2008.     http://www.economist.com/node/10727908 Javier, C. Hernandez. “As It Campaigns to Build in the City, Wal-Mart Donates $4 Million”. The New York Times, 05 July. 2011 http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/as-it-campaigns-to-build-in- the-city-wal-mart-donates-4-million/ Organizing: Walmart's business structure could be considered a mix of both centralized and decentralized. Store managers have decision-making power over some...

Words: 970 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Law Assignment

...INTRODUCTION: This statement actually describes the relationship between the memorandum of association and article of association of company. The article of association is subordinate to and controlled by the memorandum of association. Memorandum of the association is the dominant document and article of the association is about the internal rules and regulations of company. This statement was given by Lord Cairns in Ashbury Railway Carriage & Iron Co. Vs Riche[1]. MEANING OF THE STATEMENT: Both the memorandum of association and article of the association are public document. The memorandum of the association is like a constitution of a country; on the other hand article of the association is like a laws of a country. Memorandum of the association is a last limit, which the shareholders cannot across and they cannot control it; one the other hand the shareholders have full control over the article of association and may alter them from time to time as they think fit[2]. THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION: The short form of the memorandum of the association is memorandum and in shorter it is simply memo. It contains the fundamental rules and the regulation regarding to the constitution and activities of a company, which governs the relationship between the company and the outside world. The memorandum of the association has to contain the six following clauses. Those are given fellow: “An official document setting out the details of a company’s existence. It must the...

Words: 2506 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Reflective Essay

...the American policy and I don’t have any friends in this class. It took me a while to adapt into this class style. First, we started from Shambaugh/Weinstein book, and the West Wing episodes. Shambaugh/Weinstein book is about introduction of the Art of policymaking process. From the web book description, it says Author Paul J. Weinstein Jr., who was Chief of Staff of the White House Domestic Policy Council during Clinton's administration; he brought a unique and valuable insider's view to the book. This book also provides some real life examples that helped me a lot in reading some of the concepts. For example, I had no idea of how to write a memo when Dr. Robert Wood introduced us different types of memos. After class, I went back home and read the format of a memo and examples related to that memo, I got the idea about what is a memo look like and how to write it. Indeed, I think the time I get to know about what was going on and what this course is about is right before spring break. Dr. Robert Wood was very thankful. The midterm study guide he provided for us helped me a lot about knowing the course materials, especially the White House staff members. I have learned a lot while I was reading and reviewing for the midterm and I got some ideas about what we had been through the midterm. Unfortunately, unlike others, I think I didn’t enjoy the West Wing episodes. The first reason is that I have lack of knowledge about US policy; second reason is my poor English skills. If...

Words: 1058 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Memo

...reading Bunn’s essay for the first time I was searching for articles concerning business owners and restaurant management and came across an article on forbes.com. The article is titled “Starting a Business? One Question Could Save You Years of Misery” by a man named Eric T. Wagner, a contributor to Forbes and writes about the core principals and secrets of entrepreneurship. The title quickly caught my attention and before I began to read, Bunn’s questions crossed my mind. What is the purpose of this piece of writing? Who is the author’s intended audience? With these tools sketched in my brain I began reading about six different types of entrepreneurs and businesses, and what sets them apart. Wagner goes into quick detail to paint a picture of what makes up every group on his list and how which group or type of businessperson you as a reader would best make. Wagner’s intended audience is quickly obvious to be newly ambitious, self-motivated businessmen and women. I realized knowing Bunn’s techniques of reading like a writer shed a new light on my reading experience. I found myself thinking about the author himself and his thought process while writing the article in his office chair in some sky rise with a killer view in New York City. It made me wonder if I will read like a writer every time I read from now on. It amazed me how one essay can change the way someone can look at a piece of writing. Reading Wagner’s article on forbes.com gave me confidence...

Words: 499 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Applying Critical Thinking

...Applying Critical Thinking: Analyzing Memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to President, FSEU Local No. 343 Abstract The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. This function is currently being performed by 75 State employees, 43 of whom are members of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343. On May 12, 2010 the Governor of Illinois notified the President of FSEU Local 343 about the State’s intent. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. On June 5, 2010 the FSEU Director of Human Resources responded to the President of FSEU Local 343 with the union member’s discussion and recommended opposing the outsourcing proposal. The paper uses the methodology from the book “Asking the Right Questions – A Guide to Critical Thinking” by M. Neil Bowne and Stuart M. Keeley, to analyze the memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to the President, FSEU Local No. 343. Introduction The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. The Governor of Illinois notified Mr. Cesar Padilla, the President of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343 about the State’s intent on May 12, 2010. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. In response to the request from the President of FSEU Local No. 343, Ms...

Words: 3933 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Com 140 Entire Course

...COM 140 Entire Course http://homeworkgallery.com/index.php/product/com-140-entire-course/ http://homeworkgallery.com/index.php/product/com-140-entire-course/ COM 140 Week 1 DQ 1 Respond to Social Media Will Change Your Business at www.businessweek.com/go/08/blog by addressing the following points: For what audience or readership do you think the article was written? What is the purpose of the article (to entertain, inform, persuade, or a combination)? Explain your answer. How do the writers organize information in the article? What purpose do you think they had in mind with this structure? What is the tone or expressive style of the article? What effect does this tone produce? COM 140 Week 1 DQ 2 Recall a writer with whom you have felt rapport as well as a writer with whom you have felt little or no rapport. What made the difference? Provide suggestions for building rapport between the writer and readers of written communication. COM 140 Week 3 DQ 1 Post your response to the following: In what ways are purpose, audience, tone, and content different for interpersonal and business communication? Provide specific examples to support your answer. · Consider your own experience as you answer this question. If you have not worked in a business environment, you may ask a friend, parent, or other adult about his or her experiences. COM 140 Week 3 DQ 2 Post your response to the following: What qualities make any form of written communication...

Words: 957 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Asking the Right Questions

...The business memo, written to Mr. Hector Fuentes (President, APEU Local No. 121) from Ms. Mary Ford (APEU Director of Human Resources) is in response to Mr. Fuentes request of Ms. Ford to evaluate the state’s proposed option to privatize the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) information systems management function. In order to validate each argument in the memo I will apply the critical thinking model from the book “Asking the Right Questions” by Browne and Keeley (2010). This model is comprised of ten steps for an audience to critically analyze a conclusion by speakers and writers. The first step of the critical thinking model is to identify the conclusion of a speaker’s or writer’s argument (Browne & Kelley, 2010). Browne and Kelley (2010) define the conclusion of a speaker or writer as the “message that the speaker or write wishes you to accept”. The conclusion of the business memo is stated by Ms. Ford, “APEU Local No. 121 should challenge the governor’s proposed privatization of the DMV information systems management function as an unfair management practice”. The conclusion in this memo is located at the end of the memo and clearly stated in the conclusion section however to validate that this statement is the conclusion, identification of the issue is necessary. Browne and Kelley (2010) define an issue as a “question or controversy responsible for the conversation or discussion”. The critical thinking model describes two types of issues that could...

Words: 2585 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Human Resources 587 - Assignment 3

...Running head: INNOVATIVE CHANGE AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY Innovative Change at Ford Motor Company Keller University Human Resources 587 August 24, 2014 Abstract Since Alan Mulally took over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Ford Motor Company the business has been transformed into a powerful competitive force in the global automotive industry. An examination of the company’s communications surrounding Mulally’s retirement and the appointment of Mark Fields as the new CEO demonstrate how Ford used positive and candid communications to overcome resistance to the change. Actions as simple as providing verbal and nonverbal cues have a powerful influence on how others perceive a change (Nekoranec & Fourrier, 2013). A proposed alternative communication plan, including the use of more communication channels with increased frequency, would have helped the company address some of the fear and uncertainty among stakeholders. An example of an internal memo is provided to show how the use of positive and supportive descriptions of the change can motivate stakeholders to act as change agents on behalf of an organization by embracing the change and recognizing their essential role in the process. Innovative Change at Ford Motor Company In the past few decades Ford Motor Company has experienced a series of disruptive changes pertaining to the company’s leadership. In 2006, the appointment of Alan Mulally as the company’s Chief Executive Officer...

Words: 3991 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Memo Writing

...memo writing [pic] TASK ONE: WRITING A POLICY MEMORANDUM GUIDELINES & EVALUATION CRITERIA CONTENTS |Getting Started |2 | | | | |Writing Guidelines |4 | | | | |Evaluation Criteria for Task One |8 | I. Getting Started Steps to complete task one 1. Choose a scenario from the list provided separately 2. Choose a national mission to address 3. Write your policy memorandum 4. Make sure that your policy memorandum is consistent with the submission guidelines below 5. Submit your memo Step 1: Choose a scenario Students should write amemorandum on one of the government national missions on climate change. (Provided in the separate document) Step 2: Choose a national mission to address The national missions are listed in the separate document sent along with this. Choose any of the national missions which are a part of the government of India’s “National Action Plan on Climate Change” Your memorandum should be addressed to the government responding to the action plan your decide to choose from the document attached along. We encourage you to discuss specific features of the...

Words: 2955 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Kijuik

...an artist or architect to produce a new work, these commissions laid out the scope of their duties and their responsibilities in the specific office or position they were appointed to. And they served at the pleasure of the king (or queen), meaning they could be dismissed by the monarch at any time. These traditions applied throughout the Royal Navy, including in ships stationed in Britain’s North American colonies. During the War for Independence, the Continental Navy maintained these traditions. And after the U.S. achieved its independence from Britain, both the Revenue Marine (starting in 1790) and Navy (beginning in 1798) carried them forward. Foreword CONTENTS i Overview 1 Application Format & Contents 9 Narrative Memo 13 CO’s Endorsement 21 Interview 31 Conclusion 41 Appendix A (Officer & Enlisted Careers) 43 49 OCS, CSPI, DCE, AVCAD APPLICATION PREPARATION HANDBOOK OCS, CSPI, DCE, AVCAD APPLICATION PREPARATION HANDBOOK FOREWORD president”. That means they can be dismissed at any time without any reason. These terms of service date back centuries, and are the source of the words we still use to describe the status of the people within the military hierarchy: “enlist”, “warrant”, and “commission”. Starting over 500 years ago, ranks in Britain’s Royal Navy paralleled the distinctions that existed in civilian society, when a rigid class system existed. As today, crews were made up of seamen (there were no...

Words: 8816 - Pages: 36