Real World Application of Organizational Development Principles

Real World Application of Organizational Development Principles

Organizational development (OD) principles are very important tools that the organizations need for both sustainability and effectiveness. Organization development in itself is a broader term that does not have a clear definition but in simple terms it can be defined as the planned systemic change effort through the use of knowledge and skills among other equally important tools to help improve or sustain a unit within the organization or the organization as a whole (Gary N. McLean, 2005).

Organization development is guided by several principles that have to be adhered to in order to realize efficiency and effectiveness within the organization. Following the announcement by the company to relocate to Mexico, there are several challenges that lie ahead that have an impact on the company's performance. Taking into consideration the organizational development principles, some of these challenges can be handled to ensure that there is continuity for my business despite the challenges. Each country has its own culture of doing business which varies from one country to another.

There are different business practices which my company will have to adjust to in order to remain operational. Standards of integrity may be low compared to my current location; there can be lack of systems to check on businesses in terms of ethics and integrity which may be difficult on new entrants into the market. By using the principle of integrity my business will ensure the standards are maintained and work in manner that does not harm the final consumer or be involved in unethical practices to improve on my business profits or market share.

Employees are usually resistant to change whenever one is bound to occur or has been implemented. By relocating the business to Mexico, this calls for both physical change as well as structural change which can be a challenge to most employees. By embracing the commitment principle, I will commit resources to ensure the employees also show commitment through their efforts to achieve top performance which will help my business continue being operational despite being in a new market.

The employees may be faced with various challenges including business cultures, attitudes and language barriers among other challenges that new businesses face in new markets. It is at this stage that most businesses may fail to overcome some of these challenges due to lack of empowerment among the employees. The employees need to be empowered in order to be committed to the new rules of doing business to achieve top performance. Lack of empowerment contributes to the slow pace of business which may affect its operations (Esmeral, 2011).