Organisation Development: Processes & Tools for Effectiveness

Course Overview

Are you curious about the organisational processes that drive successful transformation? Discover powerful tools that can help you implement organisational changes with impact and efficiency. 

The Organisation Development micro-credential course provides an in-depth exploration of how Organisation Development (OD) plays a critical role in shaping Human Resource strategies and driving organisational effectiveness.  

Learn about the foundational Organisation Development (OD) process, from diagnosing performance enablers and inhibitors to co-creating sustainable solutions that align with organisational goals. Through an examination of the cyclical phases of OD—entry, diagnosis, feedback, solution, and evaluation—you will gain a clear understanding of what OD aims to achieve and how it functions in practice.  

You’ll gain insight into how Organisation Development (OD) navigates the complexities of organisational change and ensures the inclusion of all stakeholders in shaping the future of their workplaces. 

Delve into key diagnostic tools used to assess organisational performance and effectiveness. These tools provide the foundation for informed decision-making, allowing OD practitioners to identify challenges and opportunities within an organisation.  

In this micro-credential, you will also explore survey research as a powerful method for gathering and analysing data, offering actionable insights to guide strategic improvements. Beyond diagnosis, you’ll discover how Appreciative Inquiry and Action Research can serve as dynamic approaches to fostering collaboration, engagement, and positive change within organisations. 

By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the Organisation Development (OD) process and its applications. You will be equipped to explain the stages of OD, critically analyse diagnostic tools, and apply advanced methods such as Appreciative Inquiry and Action Research to real-world challenges.  

Time commitment per week

An average of 10 – 13 hours weekly.

Is this course for you?

Whether you’re an HR professional, mid-level manager, or aspiring Organisation Development (OD) practitioner, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of applying OD processes and associated tools to enhance each phase. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the ability to successfully navigate the OD process in organisations. 

What is organisation development?   

Organisation Development (OD) is a systematic, evidence-based approach aimed at enhancing an organisation’s effectiveness, adaptability, and performance. It involves planned interventions that align with the organisation’s goals and values to improve structures, processes, and human resources. Rooted in behavioural science, OD focuses on fostering innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving to drive positive change, optimise team performance, and enhance employee satisfaction. By integrating data-driven analysis with strategic action, OD supports sustainable growth and resilience in a constantly evolving environment. 

Dates

• Class of 2025 May: 12 May – 22 June 
• Class of 2025 August: 11 August –21 September 
• Class of 2025 October: 6 October – 16 November

There are no online classes. Course content is released on a weekly basis allowing you to work through the course material, and meet weekly targets, at a time that is most convenient to you.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of competence and badge. Your certificate and badge can be shared on 100+ social media platforms, allowing you to share your achievement with a single click.

Credential Type

The OpenLearning team has reviewed this course to ensure quality academic learning within the Malaysian and Australian credentialing framework.

An OpenLearning OpenCred is a type of credential that can stand-alone, or interact with a formal qualification. OpenCred courses are market-leading online courses that prepare learners for the future of work.

This course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. The Organisation Development: Processes & Tools for Effectiveness micro-credential is for anyone needing to upskill in this area and offers 80 hours of learning and assessment.

Learners study online with peers and receive robust academic content while acquiring practical industry-relevant skills.

OpenCreds

Completing this course leads to obtaining an OpenCred.

• 80 hours of learning
• OpenCred classification: Pathway

Stackable Credentials

Stack specified combinations of micro-credentials and they can be recognised as equivalent to a module within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree at SACAP.

Intro to Organisation Development: Theory & Practice can be stacked with Organisation Development: Processes & Tools for Effectiveness and if you meet the minimum entrance criteria, you can enrol for the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree and apply for module exemption.

What You’ll Need

• Access to Microsoft Word
• Google Chrome (recommended)
• Stable internet connection

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of six (6) weeks, through videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

• Week 1: Introduction to the Organisation Development process
  • Explore the intricacies of organisational development (OD) as both a field and a process, including its critical role in driving effective change within organisations. Through an examination of the cyclical phases of OD—entry, diagnosis, feedback, solution, and evaluation—you will gain a clear understanding of what OD aims to achieve and how it functions in practice. Delve into the dynamics of stakeholder engagement, considering challenges such as resistance to change and strategies to foster collaboration. We will discuss the interplay between employee well-being, engagement, and organisational efficiency, highlighting their interconnected impact on success.  
• Week 2: Organisational Diagnosis
  • Identify the purpose, scope, and focus of organisational diagnosis as a critical activity, and the tools and techniques that will enable you to carry it out. You will explore how this phase of the OD process can often be a trigger for resistance to change, and how you can mitigate its impact to achieve stakeholder buy-in. Examine the OD practitioner’s role in navigating the complexities of diagnosing organisations and preparing them for the challenges of an evolving workplace and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By the end of the week, you will be equipped to analyse and interpret the diagnostic process, laying the groundwork for impactful OD interventions. 
• Week 3: Survey Research and Data Feedback
  • Learn about the essential role of research in the OD process. Explore how surveys, along with other tools like assessments and interviews, are used to collect accurate data for diagnosis. Explore the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) considerations of research and the considerations for ensuring you are able to reach each necessary voice to achieve organisational transformation. Uncover the different types of methodologies applied in an OD setting. You will also examine potential threats to the authenticity and quality of data and learn how to apply diagnostic strategies to ensure reliable results.  
• Week 4: Key Organisational Development Interventions
  • Orientate yourself to the types of Organisational Development (OD) interventions that can be applied at different levels of intervention in an organisation to support individuals, teams, and broader organisational transformation. Gain an in-depth understanding of traditional action research, its stages, and how it can be applied to drive change within organisations. Explore the origins and process of appreciative inquiry, focusing on how this strengths-based approach fosters positive change through collaborative dialogue.  
    
• Week 5: Consolidation
  • An opportunity for you to revisit any content covered in the four weeks of the course in a self-determined manner that is appropriate to deepen and enhance your learning. 
• Week 6: Summative Assessment 
  • Undertake a summative assessment that captures all the key learning outcomes for this course. 

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the Organisation Development process.  
• Outline the diagnostic tools and processes used to assess organisational effectiveness.  
• Describe the process of survey research as a data-gathering and feedback tool.  
• Critically discuss different Organisation Development interventions and their unique applications. 

The Team

Our short course developers and assessors are expert practitioners. They have been selected for the breadth and depth of experience in their respective disciplines. The team loves sharing their knowledge and online learning expertise to help you get the most out of your learning journey.