The Nature of Contemporary Organization Development

7 A Puzzle Solved but not Resolved

Having discussed the literature and compared with the evidence collected in the research study, and analyzed this through theory lenses, this chapter presents a summary of the key findings. Each of the three research questions set out in Chapter 1 will be answered in turn. A working definition of OD was presented in Chapter 2 and in this chapter, this is revisited with a revised definition proposed. How this study has added to knowledge on the nature of contemporary OD will be considered. The implications of the findings for OD practice, professional associations and academics will be addressed and areas for further research will be identified. It will conclude with a return to the puzzle set out at the start ...