Organization Development refers to a strategy for the intentional design of an organization's nature and trajectory.   Organization Development activities are based on valid information, free and informed choice, and methods that build internal commitment.  Members deliberately analyze existing dynamics including their own role in those dynamics.  The natural follow-on is to explore alternatives and to determine among themselves dynamics that will better serve.   Although the organization works with the aid of an Organization Development consultant, it draws its own conclusion and makes its own decisions.  The role of the consultant is:  to provide structure and management of the re-examination and planning process  to provide a detached view since the consultant has no stake in the substantive outcome  to raise questions and make observations which help the organization gain insight into its functioning  to help the group find new perspectives for viewing its situation and the alternatives open to it. An essential element of Organization Development is that involvement is at the organization's own initiative and the resultant change is of its own actions.

Robert Bashor:  Retired, twenty-four years as Boeing Senior Organization Development Advisor with clients across both the commercial aviation and the defense and space businesses, and 20 years in management positions with EG&G, Rockwell International, the Battelle Memorial Institute.  Pepperdine MS Organization Development Program 1976.  B.S. Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado College of Engineering, 1967.    Contract   1.  I supply the methods, techniques, theory to help make the changes you want in the way your organization functions.  You supply the energy, commitment, and share responsibility for success.  I don't recommend expert solutions.   2.  Part of my job is to raise sticky issues & push you on them.  You have a right to say "no" to anything you don't want to deal with.  If you feel free to say "no", I'll feel free to push.   3.  I'll need you to tell me if I do something puzzling or irritating and give me permission to do the same.   4.  I have no special preferences for how you deal with others.  Part of my job may be to make you aware of what you do and what possible consequences your actions may have.  My job also is to preserve & encourage your freedom of choice about what, if anything, you want to do differently     5.  I intend not to be seen as an advocate for anyone's pet ideas.  I do advocate certain strategies and methods for a group's development.  I will be transparent about my strategies and methods and will identify my biases as quickly as I know them.  I recognize some people may oppose my strategies, methods and biases.  I accept that risk.     6.  All information belongs to you.  I maintain complete confidentiality.  I will never write or say or show anything to anyone without your permission.     7.  Either of us can terminate this work as long as we have a face-to-face meeting first.     8.  We evaluate events together, face-to-face, & make explicit decisions about what to do next. © Robert Bashor 1978