OD Essentials: The Fundamentals of Organisational Development
Understand Organisational Development (OD) models and strategies, and learn how to lead change in your organisation through OD.
Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
6 hoursDigital upgrade
Free
OD Essentials: The Fundamentals of Organisational Development
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Explore the impact of OD interventions on staff, patients and the workplace
Organisational Development (OD) supports people to transform systems by applying behavioural science to organisational issues. On this course, you’ll get an introduction to the essential elements of OD theory and research.
You’ll explore the origins of OD and learn the various definitions and applications of it in practice. You’ll discover its role in enhancing the effectiveness of systems through interventions that improve people’s ability to achieve shared goals. You’ll also understand the importance of the self in OD practice, and the impact of OD on the quality and safety of patient care.
Syllabus
Week 1
Getting started
Getting started
The more an organisation has the ability to change and improve itself, the more developed it is considered to be and the more likely it is to perform effectively – Cummings, 2013.
What is OD?
The Foundations of OD section starts with our most commonly asked question: what is OD?
Week 2
OD and strategy
Introduction to strategy
Watch our welcome animation to find out what you will be learning this week and gain an understanding into what strategy means in your organisation and the wider NHS. Identify your organisation's strategy and link to your work.
Data gathering and analysis
Find out how data can transform how we plan, deliver and evaluate our OD practice
Case study: Mersey Care
Learn how Mersey Care linked their OD activity to their organisational strategy
Reflection
Looking back at what we've learned this week and reflecting on the learning experience
Week 3
Exploring OD theory
Introduction
Find out what you will be learning this week and share your knowledge with others
The basics of OD theory
Find out about the history of OD theory and explore some of the main ideas
Summary
Look back at what you have learned and what this has meant for your work
Week 4
Impact
Introduction to evaluation
Find out how to achieve the "diamond" standard of evaluation and explore different ways of evaluating impact; following your own evaluation journey.
National priorities and OD
Find out what is happening nationally in the NHS in terms of workforce strategy and how your OD work can have an impact on this.
Week 5
Use of self and reflection
Use of self
Learn the theory behind "self as instrument" and see how you can link your values to your personal presence.
The Do OD Capability Model
Understand the Do OD capability model- a tool for reflection and self-assessment, giving you the opportunity to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Explore the OD mindset and reflect on your own capability.
Reflection
Consolidate and apply the learning from this course to a real life NHS challenge and reflect on your learning journey.
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...
- Explore the roots and foundations of OD practice
- 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, patients (customers) and the world of work
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for NHS Organisational Development Practitioners, NHS HR professionals, learning and development staff, and anyone interested in finding out about Organisational Development in the NHS.
The course will also be useful to CEOs and board staff, and anyone involved in leading or shaping change.
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.
Do OD
Do OD is the expert resource on organisation development (OD) for health and care.
What's included?
NHS Employers are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
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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