Question 1

What is organizational development, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Organizational development uses evidence-based and structured interventions to help organizations evolve and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their systems and processes. By using organizational analysis techniques to identify areas of weakness and find potential solutions, organizations can manage change while staying focused on long-term goals. Organizational development is an important strategic management priority as it gives an organization the adaptability needed to flourish in today’s complex world.

Organizational development is influenced by social psychology and operates with the understanding that the roles and divisions of organizational structure impact worker behavior and motivation. By taking a humanistic approach to change management, organizational development seeks to increase workforce satisfaction and commitment while addressing the possible discomfort and conflict that can arise when organizational culture is disrupted by technical innovations, restructuring, or the effects of globalization.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in organizational development?

Accepted Answer

As organizational structures are continually evolving, the proactive approach of organizational development benefits those in managerial and executive roles by helping to get buy-in from employees for necessary changes. Human resource management also utilizes organizational development skills like performance appraisals and diversity interventions.

Oftentimes, organizations hire outside consultants to examine and analyze their business with a fresh perspective. These management consultants can use organizational development skills to revitalize a company by assessing and recommending changes in its management of human resources, finances, technical infrastructures, and strategic goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn a median salary of $85,260 per year, and their overall job growth outlook is much faster than average due to needed efficiency in many industries, especially healthcare and information technology.

Question 3

Can I learn about organizational development by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Whether you are seeking to improve an organization you are already a part of or looking to start a new career, Coursera has a wide range of online courses and Specializations on organizational development to choose from, including related topics on organizational analysis and change management.

With courses from top-ranked institutions such as Stanford University, Macquarie University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education for the convenience of learning online. And, with virtual office hours and collaborative group projects, you’ll be able to practice the interpersonal skills that are so necessary to successful organizational development.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn organizational development?

Accepted Answer

Experience working within a team, skills in analyzing data, and any experience in the business world would help you as you begin to learn organizational development. Pursuing or having a college degree in business, economics, finance, or psychology also gives you a firm footing for learning organizational development. However, having a high school diploma is definitely enough educational background to begin learning organizational development.

Question 5

What kinds of people are best suited for roles in organizational development?

Accepted Answer

People who are analytical thinkers, inquisitive, and enjoy science-based approaches to making changes and solving problems are generally well suited for roles in organizational development. They also appreciate structure and controlled processes, since organizational development is not based on guessing but on testing processes to see if the outcomes support making a change or intervention. People in organizational development roles should also have good people skills, including patience, effective communication skills, and negotiation skills, since roles in this field require working with heads of organizations or departments and employees as well as considering customer satisfaction.

Question 6

How do I know if learning organizational development is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Learning organizational development may be right for you if you're interested in keeping up with innovations in IT as it relates to how businesses function. If you already have a role in human resources or are the head of a department within an organization, learning organizational development may help you succeed in your job duties as well as help you make improvements within your organization. While each company has unique goals for organizational development, if you're interested in or have a need to improve an organization's competitiveness, profits, profit margins, agility, market share, or cultural and moral values, then learning organizational development may be right for you. Entry-level work in organizational development can require long hours and working your way up to better positions within a company, but if you're prepared for that or want to offer your services as an independent consultant, learning organizational development may be right for you.

Question 7

What are the benefits of taking an online Organizational Development course?

Accepted Answer

Online Organizational Development courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Organizational Development skills. Choose from a wide range of Organizational Development courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 8

What Organizational Development courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Organizational Development, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Organizational Development Course Catalog

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Frequently Asked Questions about Organizational Development

What is organizational development, and why is it important?‎

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in organizational development?‎

Can I learn about organizational development by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn organizational development?‎

What kinds of people are best suited for roles in organizational development?‎

How do I know if learning organizational development is right for me?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Organizational Development course?‎

What Organizational Development courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore