Discussion—The Organizational Development Professional

 

Organizational Development (OD) professionals implement and oversee programs that increase efficiency, strengthen employee knowledge and abilities, improve leadership, and maintain the overall health of a company. Often, they engage in work with top executives of the organization in diagnosing problems and setting company goals. One of the most important responsibilities of the organizational development (OD) professional is to help employees adjust to organizational changes.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor (2012) predicts faster-than-average job growth for human resource occupations, including training and development professions such as organizational development (OD).

Explore employment opportunities and careers for organizational development (OD) professionals. On the basis of your research, respond to the following: List three to five job titles for organizational development (OD) professionals. Find three to five industries offering positions for organizational development (OD) professionals and cite relevant job postings. Select the job that most interests you and describe the essential job functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Discuss how you might be qualified (or become qualified) to apply for the job.