Two types of Organization Development theory are identified and discussed. The first, implementation theory, focuses on the intervention activity required to carry out effective planned change efforts in organizations. The second, change process theory, attempts to explain the dynamics through which the organization changes as a response to any intervention activity. Evaluations of both types of theory suggest that implementation theory is more fully developed than change process theory. However, improved theoretical development is needed in both areas. For implementation theory, further work is needed in the development of more comprehensive diagnostic models, in the specification of conditions for effective change, and in the establishment of useful criteria for change agents. Since change process theory is in such a fragmented state, all facets of its require further theoretical advancement. Substantial improvement in the quality of both types of OD theory are needed to enhance the efficacy of planned change programs in organizations.
-
Faculty
- Academic Areas
- Awards & Honors
- Seminars
-
Conferences
- Accounting Summer Camp
- California Econometrics Conference
- California Quantitative Marketing PhD Conference
- California School Conference
- China India Insights Conference
- Homo economicus, Evolving
-
Initiative on Business and Environmental Sustainability
- Political Economics (2023–24)
- Scaling Geologic Storage of CO2 (2023–24)
- A Resilient Pacific: Building Connections, Envisioning Solutions
- Adaptation and Innovation
- Changing Climate
- Civil Society
- Climate Impact Summit
- Climate Science
- Corporate Carbon Disclosures
- Earth’s Seafloor
- Environmental Justice
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations and Information Technology
- Organizations
- Sustainability Reporting and Control
- Taking the Pulse of the Planet
- Urban Infrastructure
- Watershed Restoration
- Junior Faculty Workshop on Financial Regulation and Banking
- Ken Singleton Celebration
- Marketing Camp
- Quantitative Marketing PhD Alumni Conference
- Theory and Inference in Accounting Research
- Voices
- Publications
- Books
- Working Papers
- Case Studies
- Postdoctoral Scholars
-
Research Labs & Initiatives
- Cities, Housing & Society Lab
- Corporate Governance Research Initiative
- Corporations and Society Initiative
- Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
- Initiative for Financial Decision-Making
- Policy and Innovation Initiative
- Rapid Decarbonization Initiative
- Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
- Value Chain Innovation Initiative
- Venture Capital Initiative
- Behavioral Lab
- Data, Analytics & Research Computing