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Introduction to Organisational Development

Discover organisational development models and strategies, and develop your OD skills to boost performance and improve culture.

4,193 enrolled on this course

Two figures made up of the letters OD holding a plant pot

Introduction to Organisational Development

4,193 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn OD concepts to help your organisation reach its goals

Organisational development (OD) uses behavioural science to help you implement systems and techniques aimed at affecting your organisation’s performance and culture.

On this three-week course, you’ll learn the main concepts of OD and gain the necessary skills to be able to describe the main theories and ideas of organisational development.

This course is perfect if you’re looking to move into an OD role, or you want to use organisational development techniques in your current role to improve your processes.

Explore organisational strategy and capability

Organisational development works with people to change, improve, and transform aspects of the system so that they have the capability to achieve the strategy.

This course will explain what OD strategy is, and how it’s intrinsically linked to capability. As part of this, you’ll identify OD theories, models, and research to reinforce your approach to organisational development.

You’ll also look at the different types of data, both qualitative and quantitative, and how you can use data to inform your OD processes.

Discover the importance of self in OD practice

Alongside using the OD toolkit of techniques, methods, and tests, OD practitioners themselves need to continually change, adapt, and develop.

On this course, you’ll learn about the ‘use of self’ and why you should focus on self-knowledge and personal development to improve your organisational development work.

What topics will you cover?

  • Definitions and applications of OD
  • The role OD plays in delivering successful organisational outcomes
  • OD theories and models
  • The importance of self in OD practice
  • The impact OD can make on staff, customers/clients and the organisation

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Discuss the definitions and applications of OD
  • Explain the role OD plays in delivering successful organisational outcomes
  • Identify areas of OD theories and models and research in more detail
  • Reflect on the importance of self in OD practice
  • Describe the impact OD can make on staff, customers/clients and the organisation

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning about OD theory and practice. It will be especially useful to those not currently working in organisational development and looking to enter the field.

What software or tools do you need?

No specific software needed, just an interest in finding out about OD!

Who will you learn with?

Assistant Director OD at NHS Employers. Paul co-leads Do OD with Karen Dumain. BSc (Hons.), MSc., D.Prof. Assoc. CIPD, FRSA, MBPsS. HR Magazine's Most Influential List 2018 & 2019.

National OD Lead for NHS England proud to Co-lead Do OD with Paul & work with our amazing NHS OD community. Chartered Companion CIPD, NTL graduate, MA& first degree in Behavioural Sciences

Senior Programme Officer for Organisation Development at NHS Employers. Responsible for NHS Do OD's online courses on organisation development.

Who developed the course?

NHS Employers

We are the employers’ organisation for the NHS in England. We support NHS workforce leaders through our practical tools and resources, through our expert advice and guidance, and by listening to employers to ensure your voice is represented.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 19 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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