Organizational Development (OD) is a consulting arm of the Human Resources Department. OD services are intended to improve the organizational health and effectiveness of all University departments. A wide array of services are available to help departments plan and implement change; improve leadership methods, management techniques, and problem-solving skills; and promote understanding of the processes and systems in which people work. We seek to improve individual, group, and departmental effectiveness so that all accomplish their goals.

For additional information please contact Susan P. Rohanna, Director of Human Resources at (215) 596-7533.

Types of Organizational Services Available:

OD offers the following types of Organizational Development consulting:

• Facilitation
• Strategic Planning
• Change Management
• Teamwork Development
• Administrative Operations & Organizational Structure
• Process Management
• Customer Service Development
• Coaching
• Focus Groups and Written Surveys

• Help construct a shared understanding of a problem that may be poorly defined, or defined differently by different parties.
  
• Help the group work together to more readily solve complex or unusual problems.
  
• Help the group make quick decisions when crisis situations require it.
  
• Encourage total group participation.
  
• Align organizational goals and team strategies.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is one of the most important activities in the life of any organization. OD helps identify the current state of the department, envision the desired future, define goals, and develop strategies for reaching them.

Change Management

Change is occurring at a rapid pace. OD works with departments to foster an understanding of both organizational and personal change. OD consultants seek to make employees comfortable enough with change to make positive contributions in a fluid work environment. In doing this work, OD offers assistance with departmental planning, educational seminars and training, facilitated group sessions, and targeted communications.

Teamwork Development

OD works to increase cohesiveness and cooperation among people who work together. One of the goals of this work is to improve the diagnosis and problem-solving abilities of departments and other work groups whose difficulties are teamwork-related. Team development activities involve facilitated team-building retreats and workshops that help members understand not only their differences but also how these differences affect communication and, ultimately, the ability to work together.

Administrative Operations & Organizational Structure

OD consultants can assist University departments and academic units in planning and implementing studies of administrative operations and together with an analysis or organizational structure. These studies are conducted in close collaboration with the departments and are designed to increase their organizational health and effectiveness.

Process Management

OD consulting collaborations create heightened awareness of work processes, which enables members to think more systematically about how to improve them. Particular attention is paid to processes that relate to group behavior and interpersonal communication. OD also helps departments learn the important skill of mapping work processes so that their improvement will increase the departments' effectiveness.

Customer Service Development

OD designs workshops and training opportunities that highlight the importance of efficient, courteous customer service and provides employees the means to carry it out.

Coaching

OD provides one-on-one mentorship and coaching to supervisors, managers, team leaders, facilitators, and teams. This individualized skill development enhances effectiveness by developing communications, team, and leadership skills.

Focus Groups and Written Surveys

OD consultants assist in planning focus groups, and in developing survey and focus group questions that elicit essential information from staff members. Time is also devoted to facilitating the focus groups, reporting the results of the focus groups and written surveys, and recommending follow-up procedures.