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Organizational Developer

The Organization Development Network (USA) Web site quotes Richard Beckhard’s definition of the field from his 1969 book Organization Development: Strategies and Models:

“Organization Development is an effort (1) planned, (2) organization-wide, and (3) managed from the top, to (4) increase organization effectiveness and health through (5) planned interventions in the organization’s ‘processes,’ using behavioral science knowledge.”

In essence, practitioners and consultants recognize that organizations are cultures that can be more effective when they are managed thoughtfully and humanely. Organizational development consultants work both internally and externally, focusing on the change that is a constant factor in all facets of life and work and exploring how it can positively influence human systems.

JFK University offers several programs and courses that serve the needs of professionals who want to become organizational development consultants.

The MA in Organizational Psychology through the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) fosters the change leaders needed to help organizations achieve desired results by becoming more humane, diverse, sustainable, and socially responsible. The program builds competencies to conduct individual or organizational assessments, design and implement interventions, and lead and facilitate groups.

Aspiring organizational consultants may also benefit from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program through JFKU’s School of Management (SOM) that serves both experienced business professionals and those with significant organizational and administrative background in non-business settings. The program emphasizes the development of collaborative cultures that are socially responsible and sustainable. Coursework investigates individual, group, and organizational behavior; financial analysis and management; quantitative decision making and analytical skills; practical ethics in business; strategic planning and implementation; marketing theory and practice; change management; the impact of technology; and international issues and the expanding global economy.

The School of Holistic Studies (SHS) offers the MA in Integral Psychology and the MA in Counseling Psychology, both programs that foster deep understanding of interpersonal dynamics and effective communication skills within a holistic perspective. Drawing on the world’s wisdom traditions, theories on the evolution of consciousness, and Eastern and Western psychological theory, you’ll explore the entire spectrum of human development as the unfolding of the self through the integration of matter, body, mind, soul, and spirit. Graduates of the program apply their knowledge in fields as diverse as education, consulting, coaching, human resources, management, and organizational development.

To learn more, contact:

• the Graduate School of Professional Psychology,
• the School of Management, or
• the School of Holistic Studies.