Practicing Organization Development: A Guide for Leading Change: A Third Edition

A POS LENS IN THE PRACTICE OF OD

Because OD practitioners focus on the creation and implementation of change, the POS model provides a framework for identifying the two fundamental motivations for change. Specifically: Is the change intended to fix a dysfunctional aspect of the organization (closing deficit gaps), or is the change intended to extend or elevate the strengths in the organization (closing abundance gaps)?

With respect to the first motive, the resolution of deficit gaps, many professional OD practitioners note that they are typically brought into an organization when dysfunction exists (Burke, 2002). The OD professional functions much like a physician in diagnosing the issues, prescribing solutions, and working to heal the organization ...